Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has thrown his support behind India’s role as a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine, stating that the presence of Indian troops could serve as the ultimate deterrent against further Russian aggression.
In an exclusive interview with Indian News channel NewsX World, Abbott spoke candidly about the war in Ukraine, the state of Western diplomacy, and why he believes India is uniquely placed to shoulder global responsibility in the current geopolitical crisis.
A war with no winners yet: Calling the conflict a “human tragedy” that has resulted in “massive civilian and military casualties on both sides”, Abbott stressed that the global ripple effects — from disrupted grain supplies to rising inflation — make the war in Ukraine “everyone’s problem.” While acknowledging the immense toll on Ukraine, he also warned against an unfair settlement.
“The sooner we end this war, the better,” Abbott said.
“But the war has to end on a fair basis. If Ukraine is forced to surrender territory to Russia, there must be meaningful security guarantees.”
For Abbott, the only credible form of long-term peace is the deployment of foreign troops on Ukrainian soil. In a surprising and significant endorsement, he said “Indian troops would be more than capable of resisting any future Russian attacks,” describing India’s armed forces as “formidable, respected, and professional.”
A rare call for Indian peacekeepers: Abbott’s suggestion that Indian soldiers could help stabilise Ukraine post-war reflects a broader recognition of India’s growing global stature — not only as an economic power but as a capable diplomatic and military player.
“India has historically good relations with Russia. It has a formidable conventional military. It’s a nuclear power. It cannot be bullied,” he said.
“If Indian troops were present in Ukraine, it would all but guarantee Russia won’t return.”
For Indian-Australians — and indeed for India — this is a moment of both pride and challenge. Abbott’s remarks reinforce what many strategic analysts have predicted for years: India is no longer being viewed as a neutral observer but as a potential global stabiliser.
Zelenskyy and delayed elections: Abbott praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s wartime leadership, calling him “a league of his own” and “a symbol of courage and political integrity.”
Addressing the delay in Ukraine’s elections, he offered cautious support, noting
“It’s not unusual for countries at war to postpone elections, especially when the incumbent enjoys strong public support.”
Sanctions, ceasefire, and Europe’s future: When asked about European sanctions against Russia, Abbott was unequivocal: “As long as aggression continues, sanctions must stay. Arms supply must continue. But the ceasefire, when it comes, has to be meaningful — not just convenient.”
Here again, he raised the need for foreign peacekeepers.
“If not European troops, then credible, respected international forces must be on the ground. We need a real deterrent.”
Why not China? Why not France or the UK?: Abbott dismissed China as a viable peacemaker, accusing Beijing of “actively helping Russia by breaking sanctions and backing North Korean troop deployments.”
He added that
“China is clearly on one side of the war,” making it unacceptable to Ukraine as a neutral broker.
Interestingly, he also said countries like the UK and France might not be acceptable to both sides as mediators, which is why “India is much better placed. Strong economy, strong armed forces, nuclear deterrent, and credibility with both Russia and the West.”
India’s time to lead: Abbott’s repeated mention of India — as a peacekeeper, a deterrent, and a mediator — is striking. It underscores the changing perception of India on the world stage, especially in Western capitals.
“It would be a wonderful contribution by India towards a more peaceful world,
It would show that India is ready to shoulder the responsibility that comes with its economic strength.”
Abbott concluded
As an Indian-Australian, these comments resonate deeply. The diaspora often celebrates India’s rise — but Abbott’s remarks suggest that the world is no longer just watching India rise. It’s now asking India to lead.
Whether New Delhi is prepared to take on that responsibility — and whether Australia is ready to support such a role — may be one of the most important strategic questions of this decade.
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