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News: Recently, the Chinese and Russian leaders visited New Delhi. Both developments are important in the context of India’s position over the Russia-Ukraine war
What has been India’s position on Ukraine crisis?
India has consistently abstained from voting on all resolutions by both the West and Russia. For example, India abstained from Russia’s resolution in the UNs forum on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
India indicated disappointment to Russia. Russia did not resort to dialogue and diplomacy before carrying out military operations in Ukraine.
New Delhi has consistently called for peace and dialogue amid Russia-Ukraine hostilities.
India’s abstentions from voting amount to a balancing act. It was designed to protect India’s national interests.
What has been the response of the East and the West?
East
China is outreaching India to secure India’s attendance at the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) summit and Russia-India-China (RIC) dialogue
West
It seems that India is a consequential player along the Russia-China axis. It is because of two factors i.e., Russia has been isolated by much of the international community, and China has declared a “no limits” partnership with Moscow.
The US, Japan and Australia, i.e., three other members of QUAD have all unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Therefore, the US is building pressure on India to pick a side in the current crisis.
However, Japan and Australia have not pressured India to pick a side in the crisis.
What is the way forward?
China and Russia outreach may provide a chance for India to resolve the boundary dispute in Ladakh, and Northeast. There may be dialogue for demilitarisation of the borders.
India’s balancing act may protect India’s immediate economic interests. But New Delhi must weigh its position vis-à-vis the QUAD and BRICS in context of the geopolitical shifts.
Source: The post is based on an article “Between BRICS and QUAD” published in the Business Standard on 28th March 2022
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