India can be key mediator, nobody wants war: Slovak ex-PM

Vadodara: Against the backdrop of conflict and the prolonged war in Ukraine, former Slovak Prime Minister (PM) Iveta Radicova on Tuesday said that while the world is witnessing a breakdown of international order, "nobody wants war," and countries like India can play a crucial role in mediating peace.Radicova, who is in Vadodara as part of an academic engagement at Parul University, interacted with students at the varsity's Global Perspective Series on World Health Day, where discussions ranged from public policy and social initiatives to international relations.Addressing students, she emphasized the interconnected nature of global challenges, noting that crises — whether in health or geopolitics — cannot be tackled in isolation. "If you are facing a global crisis, you cannot solve it alone," she said, underlining the need for international cooperation.Linking this to ongoing conflicts, Radicova pointed to the disruption of international law and the deepening war in Ukraine, calling it part of a larger geopolitical shift. "We are facing a real, physical war that reflects deeper unresolved issues," she said.Despite several conflicts worldwide, she stressed that there is little appetite for war. "Except maybe one or two leaders, nobody wishes for war. We know what it means — for humanity, economies and the future," she said.In this context, she identified India as a potential global mediator. "India, with its population, economic growth, reforms and democratic trajectory, is well placed to emerge as a respected and professional mediator in new conflicts," she said, adding that India's evolving global role allows it to engage across blocs in a polarized world.Drawing from her experience during the Velvet Revolution, Radicova cautioned that the end of the Cold War did not guarantee lasting peace. "Liberalization is not the same as liberty," she said.She outlined that achieving "stable peace" in Ukraine would require ensuring Ukraine's right to choose its future, rebuilding institutions and infrastructure, ensuring accountability, and guaranteeing long-term security — steps that could take years.Radicova also warned that many conflicts continue to be driven by control over resources such as energy, and cannot be resolved through military means alone.