Describe about India’s role in Russia-Ukraine war. (HPAS Mains Question Paper 2022 – GS 2, Q.10)
India has taken a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiations.
India has a long history with Russia and has traditionally kept close ties with Moscow on strategic and defence issues. However, India has economic and strategic interests in the greater Eurasian region and has attempted to maintain a balanced relationship with Russia and Ukraine.
During the early stages of the conflict, India expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiations. India also backed Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and opposed using force in the conflict.
India has sought to maintain economic ties with both Russia and Ukraine while remaining neutral in the conflict. India has continued to import Russian oil and gas and has sought to strengthen economic relations with Ukraine, particularly in agriculture and defence.
India has also attempted to engage in strategic dialogue with Russia and Ukraine. On the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2019. The meetings aimed to strengthen India’s engagement with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as to promote greater economic and strategic cooperation in the Eurasian region as a whole.
India can take some steps for the resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine:
1. Call for restraint: India can urge Russia and Ukraine to exercise control and refrain from taking actions that could escalate the conflict. India can also advocate for civilian protection and the avoidance of humanitarian crises.
2. Diplomatic engagement: India can use diplomatic channels to engage both Russia and Ukraine to encourage them to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict. India could offer to mediate or facilitate negotiations between the two parties.
3. Humanitarian assistance: India can provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine’s affected population. This can include medical services, food, and other necessities.
4. Economic sanctions: If the situation warrants it, India, as a member of the international community, can support and participate in economic sanctions against Russia. Economic sanctions can be used to put pressure on Russia to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
5. Encourage dialogue and cooperation: India can encourage more excellent dialogue and cooperation between Russia and Ukraine on mutually beneficial issues. Economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and joint projects can all help to build trust and reduce tensions between the two countries.
By calling for restraint, engaging in diplomatic channels, providing humanitarian aid, supporting economic sanctions, and promoting dialogue and cooperation between the two countries, India can play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
