Italian PM Meloni Sees Key Role for India In Russia-Ukraine Peace Efforts

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has highlighted the potential for India and China to play significant roles in bringing peace to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Speaking on Saturday after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Meloni emphasized that abandoning Ukraine is not a solution but engaging key global players is crucial.

India’s Influence in the Conflict

Meloni’s remarks came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that he is in contact with several nations, including India, to resolve the conflict. Putin noted India’s sincere efforts towards peace in the region. Echoing this sentiment, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, could facilitate dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, given Modi’s rapport with both countries.

Modi’s Role in Peace Efforts

During his recent visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Modi urged President Zelenskyy to pursue direct talks with Russia, stressing the need for immediate peace negotiations. The visit marked the first by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since its independence in 1991 and followed a summit between Modi and Putin six weeks earlier. Modi assured Zelenskyy that India is ready to personally contribute to ending the conflict.

Meloni’s Commitment to Ukraine

Despite her openness to global involvement, Meloni reiterated Italy’s unwavering support for Ukraine at the TEHA business forum in northern Italy, citing it as a matter of national interest.