The European Union is looking to India to play a crucial role in bringing peace to Ukraine, as the conflict enters its fourth year. During the recent EU-India Summit in New Delhi, EU leaders urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use India's close ties with Russia to help end the war.

The EU's call comes as it seeks to strengthen its relationship with India amid global uncertainties. At the summit, the EU and India signed a Security and Defence Partnership, marking a "new chapter" in their strategic relationship. The partnership aims to expand cooperation in areas like maritime security, cyber issues, counterterrorism, and defense. A landmark free trade agreement (FTA) was also signed after almost 20 years of negotiations which will cut or remove tariffs from nearly 97% of EU exports to India and grant preferential entry to the European market for 99% of Indian products.

European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa stated that both sides affirmed their commitment to supporting efforts toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, one that fully respects Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Costa expressed confidence that Prime Minister Modi could help create conditions for peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

Kaja Kallas, the European Commission Vice-President, directly appealed to India to "put pressure" on Russia to pursue peace. She accused Russia of only pretending to negotiate and demanding its "absolute maximum". Kallas highlighted the negative impact of the war on Europe and Southern countries due to trade disruptions.

India's foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, responded that India has consistently favored a negotiated solution to the conflict. He noted that Prime Minister Modi has been in close contact with leaders from both Russia and Ukraine and has advocated for a peaceful resolution. Misri stated India's readiness to support any outcome from such negotiations and its desire for the earliest possible cessation of the conflict.

India's position on the Russia-Ukraine war has been one of "studied public neutrality". While advocating for peace, India has avoided directly condemning Russia. This stance is partly due to India's long-standing ties with Russia, particularly its reliance on Russian military hardware. India has also increased its purchase of discounted Russian oil since the start of the war.

Despite differing viewpoints on the conflict, the EU has expressed understanding of India's strategic needs and has avoided antagonizing India. The EU recognizes India's importance as a major global player and its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The EU also acknowledges that closer ties with India can provide leverage in relations with the U.S. and China.

As the war continues, the EU hopes that India's diplomatic efforts can help pave the way for a peaceful resolution that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU and India have pledged to continue supporting efforts toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law.