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Former Indian Ambassador to US says India should be cautious in mediation of conflicts
The former diplomat described mediation of conflicts in the current times as a “double-edged” sword.
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Former Ambassador TP Sreenivasan / ImageCredits: GOPIO
Former Indian Deputy Ambassador to the United States TP Sreenivasan has stated that in the absence of a proper global order, international mediation to end conflicts can be extremely hazardous.
Sreenivasan made the remarks during his speech on “India’s role as a Peacemaker since Independence” at the Thomas Library Hall in the Indian American Kerala Center. The event was organized by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO New York Chapter), the Indian Diaspora Center, and the Indian American Kerala Center.
The former diplomat in his speech highlighted how India has played a peace-making role even in distant lands based on the principles of Panchsheel and by leading the Non-Aligned Movement. He recalled India’s efforts in leading decolonization and disarmament initiatives of the UN to prevent conflicts.
Sreenivasan also acknowledged that India has engaged in war in recent years to protect its sovereignty from Pakistan and China. Hence, the country has become a nuclear power and avoided signing treaties like the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty(CTBT).
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“India is seen today not as a pacifist state, but as an aspiring world power,” Sreenivasan asserted noting instances when the country has been asked to be a mediator in conflicts involving Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine.
According to him, while India is an ally to all these nations, it should be cautious as mediating conflicts can very often be a “double-edged” sword, especially at a time when the United Nations is becoming increasingly irrelevant on account of the imbalance in the Security Council.
“We clearly believe in resolution of conflicts through bilateral discussions and that is what India is trying to achieve by keeping the dialogue open. The traditional peace-making efforts outlined in the UN Charter of preventive diplomacy, ceasefire, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding do not seem to be effective in the present geopolitical situation,” Ambassador Sreenivasan concluded.
The ambassador’s speech was followed by an engaging discussion on India’s constructive global engagement. Kerala Center board member May Philip delivered the closing remarks and vote of thanks.
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