Fourth Peace Formula Meeting On Ukraine – OpEd

The fourth National Security Advisers (NSAs) meeting was held on Jan. 13 in Davos on the peace formula proposed by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in 2022, which follows 10 principles aimed at ensuring lasting peace. The meeting had more than 80 officials. Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis said “A peace for the Ukrainian people is urgently necessary … We must do everything to end this war,” so far Russia and Ukraine were not willing to make concessions. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy did not attend the meeting and was represented by his chief of staff Andriy Yermak

Restoring Peace Ultimate Goal: India and BRICS

India can play a key role. NSAs of several countries met in Davos to discuss a peace formula for Ukraine and pushed for early restoration of peace in the war-hit country, with the host Switzerland asserting that India can play a key role with its influence on and relations with Russia. The meeting saw many participants echoing India’s position that war can never be a solution and that dialogue was a must to resolve the situation. India’s Deputy NSA represented India at the meeting and called for an early restoration of peace. 

Participation of BRICS countries is very important. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said Russia would be asked to join the peace plan discussions at some point in time but to bring Russia on the table would require mediation by some countries. He said restoring peace is the ultimate objective. While replying to questions, he said participation from BRICS countries is very important, as these are the countries, which have got good relations with Russia. He also lauded the position taken by countries like India, saying their actions are facilitating this collective movement.

Indian Assets for a Key Peace Role 

Indian PM Modi “The Era of No War” always ready for peace. Indian Prime minister Modi who has talked of “The Era of No War” has good relations both the Warring Presidents of Russia and Ukraine; Putin and Zelensky. PM Modi has always pitched for restoration of peace in Ukraine and PM Narendra Modi, during his discussions with Zelenskyy, has said that India was ready to help in all possible manner to help restore peace. 

“One Earth-One Family-One Future.” The theme of India’s G20 Presidency-“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” a Sanskrit phrase meaning “The World is One Family” Or “One Earth-One Family-One Future” – is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. Essentially, the theme affirms the value of all life and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth. The logo and the theme together convey a powerful message of India’s G20 Presidency, which is of striving for just and equitable growth for all in the world, as the world navigates through these turbulent times.

‘Unity in Diversity’ is one of the most powerful thoughts India has given to the world. From time immemorial, Indians have never felt the need to bring about uniformity among people as people of diverse religions, cultures and castes have been living together for many centuries. This certainly shows the intense tolerance and unity of the Indian people. Hence, India is a country that perfectly demonstrates Unity in Diversity and this thought need to be followed by the world for the Global peace. According to Swami Vivekananda, it was India’s religion that “taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance”. 

Chance for Initiating Global Peace

Switzerland has a credible track record which is recognised by the international community, having an history of neutrality a high-quality of capable diplomatic corps and is a recognised champion of international law, as the host of the Geneva Conventions. However, post the Ukraine war Switzerland is getting closer to the NATO, EU and maintains its natural affinity with the Western bloc.  

The role of the Global South in Ukraine’s peace formula talks has come into focus in Davos. Many of the non-aligned countries from Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia that have largely stayed on the sidelines.

However, Ukraine has consistently said it will not give up until it has reclaimed every piece of territory that Russia has taken. Russia, which controls a little under a fifth of Ukrainian territory, has dismissed Zelenskiy’s “peace formula” as absurd as it aims to find peace without Moscow’s participation. Both the warring nations have a strong stand though Russia has often stated that they are ready for negotiations without any pre-conditions. The first difficult step for the peace makers is to make Russia and Ukraine meet at a common place agreed to by both.

Switzerland has good relationship with China. Russia-Ukraine War has to end at some point of time. I have a strong intuition that the combined efforts of India and Switzerland can initiate the efforts for global peace and bring an early end to this Russia-Ukraine War which has brought misery to the world and partitioned the world into two groups. A neutral Switzerland and India the earlier world leader of the non-aligned world can lead the way forward towards considered negotiated solutions to the ongoing problems at large and resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict earliest. No one else can play this role better of course teaming up along with the UN.Peace loving nations should come together to help restore the ‘Global Peace and United Nations Credibility’.