Indian PM Narendra Modi has told US podcaster Lex Fridman that peace can only be arrived at when both Ukraine and Russia "come to the negotiating table'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India's stance on peace and diplomacy, saying his country is prepared to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. In an interview with popular US podcaster Lex Fridman, who has both Russian and Ukrainian roots, Modi highlighted that the leadership in Kiev engaging in talks only with allies will not bring a peaceful resolution closer.

"Ukraine may hold countless discussions with their allies, but it will bear no fruit. Discussions must include both parties instead," Modi said in a podcast aired on Sunday. He added: "Initially, it was challenging to find peace. But now, the current situation presents an opportunity for meaningful and productive talks."

Reiterating India's longstanding position on the Ukraine conflict, where it has refused to take sides despite immense pressure from its Western partners, particularly Washington, Modi noted: "I represent the country that is the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. These are the great souls whose teachings, words, actions, and behavior are entirely dedicated to peace."

Modi emphasized that India's strong diplomatic ties with both Russia and Ukraine place it in a unique position to facilitate dialogue. He stated: "I have a close relationship with Russia and Ukraine alike. I can sit with President Putin and say that this is not the time for war. And I can also tell President Zelensky in a friendly way that, brother, regardless of how many people stand with you in the world, there will never be a resolution on the battlefield."

The Indian leader also noted his country could take up a mediation role, if required. "We stand for peace and wherever we can act as peacemakers, we have gladly embraced that responsibility," he said.

Modi pointed to the broader global consequences of the Ukraine conflict, particularly its impact on the Global South which, as New Delhi has argued on many occasions, faced pressure of rising energy and food prices. "There has been a lot of suffering. Even the Global South has suffered. The world has been grappling with a food, fuel, and fertilizer crisis," he said, calling for the global community to unite in pursuit of peace.

Modi made it clear that India is not neutral in the conflict but instead stands firmly for peace. "As for me, I have always maintained that I stand with peace. I am not neutral. I have a stance, and that is peace," he said.

Fridman previously interviewed Zelensky and has also been in talks with the Kremlin about organizing an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of his personal mission to promote peace in the Ukraine conflict.