India: Global Peacemaker

Why in the news?

Recently, the Summit on Peace in Ukraine titled “Path to Peace Summit” was held in Switzerland.

About Peace Summit

• Objective: To develop a common understanding of a path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
• India's Representation: The Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs attended the summit.
  • India's participation aligns with its consistent approach to facilitating a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
  • India abstained from signing the joint communique released at the summit, advocating for practical engagement through dialogue between the conflicting parties.

Why is Global Peacemaking in India’s interest?

• Contemporary shocks across the globe: Issues like wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the threat of conflict around Taiwan have global impacts, such as trade disruptions, inflation, energy crises, food insecurity, supply chain disruptions etc.
  • Global impact of wars like, could derail its vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047.
• Ineffective UN System: The United Nations Security Council has traditionally been responsible for global peacemaking, but its credibility has diminished due to the active involvement of the permanent members in current global conflicts.
• Potential Global player: Success in mediating peace can improve India’s stature in the international arena and help fulfil its aspirations to play the role of a net security provider.
• External security: India also has a direct interest in de-escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, given the alleged connections between Pakistan's nuclear weapons program and North Korea's ballistic missile program.

India’s Contributions/Potential to promoting International Peace 

• Voice of the Global South: India acts as a bridge between Global South and North, clearly evident from its efforts to include African Union (AU) into G20, amplifying southern voices. 
• Non-Alignment Movement (NAM): Established India as a neutral mediator during the Cold War.
  • E.g., India helped Austria to become free from the Soviet occupation in 1953 utilising India’s neutral and diplomatic tools with Soviet Union.
• Conflict Resolution Experience: India’s experience in addressing both internal and regional conflicts, positions it as a potential peacemaker.
  • Examples: India’s role in stabilizing Afghanistan, mediating the Sri Lankan civil conflict, and resolving domestic issues in Mizoram demonstrates its capacity for effective conflict resolution capabilities.
• Growing influence in emerging global order: India’s healthy bilateral relations with various nations have helped develop a positive image in international order.
  • E.g., Iran asked India to play peacemaker role to de-escalate tension with US, after killing of Iran military commander in 2020.
• Peacebuilding through Development Partnership: E.g., in Africa and Afghanistan through ITEC Programmes, building infrastructure (such as Salma dam), etc.
• Cultural Diplomacy: India’s civilisational ethos is widely recognised and respected and the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ resonate globally, promoting harmony. 
• Multialignment: India's potential as a bridging power stems from its longstanding commitment to engaging all major poles of influence (Russia, USA, Israel, Iran, Japan) in the international system.
• Active participant in UN peacekeeping: India's active participation in multilateral forums like the United Nations Peacekeeping underscores its commitment to global peace and cooperation.  (refer to the infographic)

Barriers to India’s leadership in global peace-making efforts

• Regional Conflicts: Persistent tensions with neighbouring Pakistan and unresolved border disputes with China can limit India’s ability to be perceived as an impartial peacemaker. 
• Domestic Challenges: Internal issues such as internal conflicts, insurgencies, and political instability detract from India's ability to project itself as a model for peace.
  • For instance, UN raised alarms on human rights violations in Indian state of Manipur.
• Resource Constraints: Due attention and investment needed for domestic development challenges like poverty and infrastructure deficits.
• Geopolitical Alignments: India's strategic partnerships, particularly with the United States and its involvement in the Quad, may be perceived as aligning with Western interests, potentially undermining its neutrality in certain global conflicts.
• Diplomatic Capacity: Compared to established global powers like USA and UK, India’s diplomatic network and influence are relatively limited, affecting its capacity to mediate complex international disputes effectively.
• Passive involvement: India’s involvement in Russia-Ukraine has largely been passive, whereas China proposed a set of principles for ending the conflict in Ukraine.

Way Forward

• India's Role as Vishwabandhu (the world’s friend): India must adopt a more proactive stance in global peacemaking. 
• Partnerships: India can contribute more to peace-making efforts, alongside like-minded nations powers (like South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia etc) and traditional Western peacemakers (Switzerland, Norway, etc.) 
• Capacity building: Form peace teams within the Ministry of External Affairs and think tanks to study global conflicts and develop resolution strategies similar to Norway's peace unit in Oslo.