Which side does India stand on in the Ukraine war? Understand the meaning of PM Modi’s visit

Author: Amitabh Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Poland and Ukraine a few days ago. This was considered a decisive step in building a comprehensive relationship with European countries. It was also appreciated. Modi visited Ukraine at a time when India is at war with its ally Russia. Modi’s visit to Poland was also historic. he/she became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit this country in the last 45 years. During this time, many agreements were made with the concerned countries, which will increase trade and economic partnership and this will also increase India’s influence in Central European countries.

Proposal for negotiations: The Prime Minister reached Kiev after a 10-hour train journey from Poland. Just a month ago, he/she had visited Moscow, where he/she met Russian President Vladimir Putin. In Kiev, Modi held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In this, the Indian Prime Minister said that Zelensky should directly talk to Russia to end the war. During this, Zelensky said that India can play an important role in stopping this war.

Restrained stance: However, Zelensky had criticised Modi’s visit to Moscow on July 8. At that time Modi and Putin were photographed hugging each other, just hours before a Russian missile attack damaged a children’s hospital in Kiev and dozens of people were reported dead. However, both sides adopted a restrained attitude during Modi’s visit to Ukraine.

Sun of Peace: Modi presented himself there as an impartial peacemaker who has influence in the international community. he/she asked Zelensky to hold talks with Putin. Modi also said that he/she has made the same appeal to Putin. The Indian Prime Minister said, ‘I want to assure you that India is ready to play an active role in any effort to establish peace.’ Modi said, ‘I want all of us to see the sun of peace rising as soon as possible.’

Defense Partners: Russia (formerly Soviet Union) has been a trusted ally of India for 50 years. It has supported India on many controversial issues including Kashmir at international forums. Even today, India imports about 45% of its defence hardware from Russia every year and about 85% of our weapons are made with the help of its technology. In this respect also, Russia is an important ally of India.

Humanity is paramount: On July 9, while addressing the Indian diaspora in Moscow, Modi said, “Whenever we hear the word Russia, the feeling that comes to our mind is that Russia and India are each other’s partners in good and bad times and are trusted friends.” he/she also reminded President Putin that “whether it is a war, a conflict or a terrorist attack, any person who believes in humanity feels sad when people lose their lives.” Modi also said, “In that too, if innocent children lose their lives, the heart bleeds and it hurts a lot.”

No combat phase: India has opposed Russia’s attempts to change international borders by force, whether it is the case of Crimea or the current war with Ukraine. During this war, Russia has occupied about 18% of Ukraine’s territory. Modi has been advocating diplomacy to resolve international disputes. At the 2022 Shanghai Cooperation Summit, he/she also told Putin, ‘This is not a time for war.’ This statement of Modi has been discussed frequently since then.

India’s View: Well, during the Prime Minister’s visit to Poland and Ukraine, many important things have been noticed, which can explain India’s point of view in this war. The biggest thing in this is that India wants peace. For this, it is ready to help in every possible way for the talks between Zelensky and Putin. India is the leader of the Global South. President Zelensky also accepted this during Modi’s visit. Actually, in the last few years, India’s independent foreign policy has been greatly appreciated. During this visit too, India did not take sides with any country and the same was expected from them.

Defending Oil Purchases: India also strongly defended its decision to buy crude oil from Russia, which was criticized by President Zelensky. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said that buying oil from Russia is a business decision, it has no political aspect. India also succeeded in exposing the wrong attitude of Western countries regarding the Ukraine war to the world. In fact, whenever India takes any decision in its strategic interest in this conflict, Western countries present it in such a way as if it is standing with Russia.

(The author is Associate Professor, School of International Studies, JNU)