New Delhi: A proposal to include Indian troops in a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine was reportedly dismissed by US President Donald Trump, according to a newly released book that sheds light on discussions inside the White House over ending the Russia Ukraine conflict.
The book, Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, reveals that senior US officials met in the Oval Office on January 30 last year to discuss plans for a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. The meeting focused on finding ways to fulfil Trump’s campaign promise of bringing a quick end to the war.
A peace proposal prepared by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg reportedly suggested deploying British, French and Dutch troops to monitor a ceasefire. However, Vice President JD Vance objected to using NATO forces, arguing that their presence could further provoke Russia, which had consistently opposed any NATO involvement in Ukraine.
During the discussions, Vance reportedly asked whether troops from countries outside Europe could be considered and suggested India as a possible contributor. According to the book, Trump laughed off the idea, saying, “The Indians won’t do that… won’t pay for something like that,” while also referring to his friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India has consistently maintained that the conflict in Ukraine cannot be resolved on the battlefield and has repeatedly called for dialogue and diplomacy to end the war. New Delhi has avoided taking sides and has instead advocated a peaceful settlement.
Although the Indian government never formally discussed sending troops to Ukraine, the idea surfaced publicly in April last year when Congress MP Shashi Tharoor suggested that India could consider contributing a small peacekeeping force if a ceasefire were eventually agreed upon.
India has extensive experience in international peacekeeping operations and has served in several conflict zones under the United Nations, including missions in South Sudan, Somalia and Lebanon.
