The west might not accept it, but they have utterly failed in putting an end to the war, while India has always pitched for dialogue instead of a military solution. More so, what led to more expectations from India on the Russia-Ukraine war from the west, has been its continued ties with Russia despite maddening global pressure.
At the same time, the US knows that India cannot afford to have full dependence on Russia and that the cordial relationship with the West is what India also needs to protect. It is going to be this last part for which India would try harder to get Russia ready for dialogue—something which the US wants to happen, because apart from India, China is closer to Russia, but the west would do everything to ensure China stays out.
To the utter dismay of the west and the US, India has already acted differently when it comes to several resolutions against Russia at the UNSC and on top of that India has been involved in seamless trading with Russia despite sanctions, enough to invite the anguish of the US which is doing everything to push the Kremlin back. But India also knows that to secure a permanent place in the UNSC, getting it right and ensuring much-needed mediation in the war is going to be the key.
It needs to be said that Russia has itself shown to the world that India is important—which was clear after President Vladimir Putin met PM Modi in Samarkand this September. Similarly, the west led by the US has indirectly put the weight behind India by keeping calm despite India sitting on the fence and continuing its ties with Russia as if nothing had happened. The time has come for India to get on with its role of being a mediator, and a peacemaker and at the same time, ensure strengthened relations, not only with Russia but with the US too.
