India Can Play A Big And Unique Role In Ending Russia-Ukraine War: US Congressman Ami Bera

Last Updated:December 11, 2025, 09:48 IST

Earlier too, Washington has emphasised the strategic importance of India in global peace efforts.

US Congressman Ami Bera. (Image: PTI)

In a stark reminder of its expectations from New Delhi, the US on Thursday reiterated that “the road to peace runs through New Delhi," calling on India to use its diplomatic leverage to help end the war between Russia and Ukraine. “India can play a big and unique role in helping end the Russia–Ukraine conflict," US Congressman Ami Bera said.

Earlier too, Washington has emphasised the strategic importance of India in global peace efforts. As White House’s top trade adviser Peter Navarro put it while praising Indian leadership, “the road to peace runs through New Delhi."

However, the remarks came even as Washington continued to enforce steep tariffs on Indian goods over the country’s growing energy ties with Moscow.

For its part, New Delhi has defended its oil imports from Russia as a matter of energy security and economic pragmatism, given global supply disruptions since the war began in 2022. The government argues that energy decisions are driven by market realities and the need to ensure affordable fuel for over 1.4 billion citizens.

Meanwhile, the call for India to mediate peace adds to growing expectations about the role of PM Narendra Modi on the world stage. India’s longstanding policy of non-alignment or strategic autonomy has allowed it to maintain ties with both Western powers and Russia — and now, global leaders are urging New Delhi to leverage that unique position.

During the 2025 annual India–Russia Summit, held after a hiatus, PM Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin that “India is not neutral" in the Ukraine war — “our side is peace." The summit concluded with renewed commitments to deepen energy, defence and trade cooperation under a long-term “Vision 2030" roadmap.

At the same time, Modi has stepped up outreach to Ukraine. In August 2024, he became the first Indian prime minister ever to visit Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. There, Modi reaffirmed India’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling India “on the side of peace" and committing humanitarian support and diplomatic backing.

Nearly a year later, on 23 September 2024, the two met again in New York on the sidelines of a global summit. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution through diplomacy, and Zelenskyy thanked India for its “clear, consistent and constructive approach."

In yet another recent meeting in late 2025, Modi and Zelenskyy held a telephone discussion where India reaffirmed its readiness to support efforts toward a durable peace in Ukraine. Modi underlined that “by virtue of our good relations with both sides … we can strengthen efforts dedicated to the restoration of an early and lasting peace."

News world India Can Play A Big And Unique Role In Ending Russia-Ukraine War: US Congressman Ami Bera

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