THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY: INDIA’S POSITION ON RUSSO-UKRAINE CONFLICT

The Russo-Ukraine conflict has compelled most nations to take sides. Most of the major nations have clearly sided with Ukraine with India being an exception which has invited the ire of others. But what is India’s stance and why has it taken this approach? Let’s find out!

So far India has abstained voting against Russia on various resolutions relating to the conflict. India has also continued its trade relations with Russia. Russian oil has been sold at a discount to India which has benefitted India to the tune of approximately USD 4.3 billion.

India has also expressed concern at escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. India has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine including essential medicines and medical equipment.

Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi emphasized on the importance of respecting sovereignity, territorial integrity, international law and UN charter, Mr. Modi stated that this is not era of war.

Historically, Russia has been an ally of India. India has relied on Russia’s veto power at UN to protect itself from any adverse action taking place in respect of Kashmir. During Indo-Pak war of 1971, USSR protected India from censure at UN and provided military support to India.

India’s relationship with Russia has been to her benefit. Russia supplied arms to India when West was arming a military dictatorship in India’s neighborhood in pursuit of their own interests instead of supporting a democracy like India.

While India was one of the 1^st countries to recognize Ukraine in 1991, in 1998, Ukraine was the first country to impose ban on India after India conducted nuclear tests. Ukraine meanwhile supplied arms & weapons to Pakistan.

Europe which was till now importing energy from Russia accuses India of buying Russian oil. This view is highly problematic & short sighted. These duplicitous standards seem to be directed at guilt tripping India into toeing West’s line at the cost of her own interests.

India believes in peace & unity. Dr S. Jai Shankar, External Affairs Minister, India has said that the government of India supports world peace yet India’s own interests come first. This approach is not out of sync with policy being followed by any other country in the world.

Given the historical, unwavering support advanced by Russia to India, India is justified in looking after its interests which involves taking a neutral stance without going against Russia’s interests while encouraging betterment of relations between Russia and Ukraine.