PM Modi’s chance to be global statesman: Fareed Zakaria on Ukraine war mediation

Geopolitical expert Fareed Zakaria has emphasised India’s potential role in international diplomacy, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a conversation with India Today TV’s Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Zakaria highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s position on the global stage, suggesting that PM Modi could serve as a valuable intermediary in the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
The geopolitical expert suggested that mediating the Russia-Ukraine war is PM Modi’s “great opportunity to be a global statesman”.
Zakaria acknowledged that while India traditionally stays neutral in foreign policy matters, it has the capacity to play a “very viable and constructive role” if it chooses.
He mentioned that few world leaders possess the credibility to communicate effectively with both Russia and Ukraine, citing only two: Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Modi.
“The war in Ukraine is frozen,” Zakaria said. “There are very few parties who have the credibility to talk to both sides… If Prime Minister Modi were to propose some kind of situation where he acts as an intermediary, I think he could play a very constructive role.”
According to Zakaria, such a move would not only benefit global diplomacy but also elevate India’s profile on the international stage.
However, he stressed that it would require Modi to take on the challenging role of an “honest broker,” a position often fraught with difficulties and criticism.
“This is Modi’s great opportunity to be a global statesman, should he want it,” Zakaria concluded, pointing to the Indian leader’s diplomatic skills and platform as key assets in the pursuit of peace.