Idioms and phrases from THE HINDU editorial “War and peace: On India and a Russia-Ukraine peace initiative”

Idioms and phrases from THE HINDU editorial “War and peace: On India and a Russia-Ukraine peace initiative”

Just days after his visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s telephonic conversations with U.S. President Joseph Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have raised hopes that New Delhi is ready to take the plunge and attempt peacemaking in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Mr. Modi’s travel to the UN in September, where he will meet U.S. and European leaders and possibly Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again, and another visit to Russia in October for the BRICS summit, have fuelled those hopes. However, those who are boosting speculation of an Indian role may benefit from a careful consideration of the circumstances, and India’s position thus far. Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, India has remained distant from the outcomes of what External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had once called “Europe’s war” and any peace process that does not involve bringing Russia and Ukraine to the table for talks. It had even disassociated itself from the Swiss peace summit. While Mr. Modi has consistently said that India is “on the side of peace” alone, New Delhi has been seen to be partial to Moscow, given its historical ties and military and energy dependencies. It will need to recast itself in a more unbiased image. Meanwhile, the war continues without pause, indicating the belief in both parties of there still being military gains to be made. That Russia launched deadly attacks on Ukraine just before the Modi Moscow visit in July, and Ukraine carried out operations into Russia’s Kursk Oblast just before his visit to Kyiv last week, demonstrate the dangerous power play and messaging Mr. Zelenskyy and Mr. Putin can indulge in, regardless of their guest’s sensitivities.

With such entrenched positions, New Delhi must proceed with care if it indeed seeks to join the ranks of others wanting involvement in conflict resolution. Successful efforts have been few, and have required focused agendas — the Black Sea Grain Initiative; the IAEA effort, on nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia power plant; and the latest exchange of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners. India must also articulate its own principles for a ceasefire compromise and lasting peace. The Modi government may well benefit from studying India’s own history: In the 1950s, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, at the instance of Vienna, mediated with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev on troops withdrawal from the north-east zone of Austria post-war, in return for promises of Austrian neutrality. An Indian peace initiative will be further complicated by the proposals Ukraine and Russia have themselves put forth: Mr. Zelenskyy insists on a full military withdrawal from Ukraine by Russia first, and Mr. Putin has called for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from regions now occupied by Russia, and for Kyiv to formally give up any efforts to join NATO.

1.       Take the plunge

Meaning: To make a decisive and significant decision, often involving risk.

Example: "After years of hesitation, he finally took the plunge and started his own business."

2.     Fuelled hopes

Meaning: To increase or intensify expectations or optimism.

Example: "The recent peace talks have fuelled hopes of an end to the conflict."

3.     Recast itself

Meaning: To change or reshape one's image or role.

Example: "The company sought to recast itself as a leader in sustainable technology."

4.     On the side of peace

Meaning: Supporting or advocating for peace rather than conflict or aggression.

Example: "The diplomat assured the assembly that his country was on the side of peace."

5.     Entrenched positions

Meaning: Strongly established and difficult to change beliefs or attitudes.

Example: "The negotiations failed because both sides had deeply entrenched positions."

6.     Proceed with care

Meaning: To move forward cautiously, being careful to avoid risks or mistakes.

Example: "Given the complexity of the situation, the government decided to proceed with care."

7.     Focused agendas

Meaning: Specific and clearly defined plans or goals, often in the context of negotiations or meetings.

Example: "The success of the summit was due to the focused agendas set by the organizers."

8.     Articulate its own principles

Meaning: To clearly express and communicate one's beliefs or values.

Example: "The leader articulated his party's principles during the campaign."

9.     Ceasefire compromise

Meaning: An agreement to stop fighting, usually involving concessions from both sides.

Example: "The ceasefire compromise was seen as a temporary solution to the ongoing conflict."

10. Lasting peace

Meaning: A long-term state of peace, as opposed to a temporary or fragile one.

Example: "The goal of the negotiations is to achieve lasting peace in the region."