Rome: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called on India and China to play a pivotal role in resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, after a crucial meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Meloni stressed that abandoning Ukraine is not an option and reiterated Italy’s steadfast commitment to supporting Kyiv.
Meloni said, “I believe China and India have a role to play in resolving the conflict. The only thing that cannot happen is to think that the conflict can be solved by abandoning Ukraine. The choice of supporting Ukraine has been first and foremost a choice of national interest, and it's a choice that won’t change.”
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Meloni's call for China and India to become more actively involved reflects a broader international consensus on the necessity of engaging major global players in the peace process.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that India, China, and Brazil could mediate in potential peace talks. He proposed that a preliminary agreement reached between Russia and Ukraine during early negotiations in Istanbul could serve as a basis for renewed talks.
India has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy as the pathway to resolving the conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited Ukraine in August, emphasised India’s commitment to peaceful resolution. During his visit, Modi stated, “India was never neutral; we have always been on the side of peace,” and expressed readiness to actively contribute to the peace process.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has acknowledged India’s influential role in the conflict, noting the country’s potential to impact the situation. Zelenskyy expressed confidence that India could play a significant role in halting Russian advances and supporting Ukraine.