A pragmatic tightrope walk

News: India decided to abstain, along with China and the United Arab Emirates, from a UNSC resolution which is for condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

What does the Indian move in UNSC signify?

The move has enabled India to maintain its long-standing diplomatic stance on respecting territorial sovereignty without compromising its relations with Russia. India chose a path which is originally defined by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and further refined in changing geopolitical contexts by his many successors.

Henry Kissinger expressed his disappointment when Nehru decided to remain neutral during the Berlin crisis of 1961. Later, Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao followed India’s middle path after USSR collapsed. He clarified that the middle way does not need two powers. It means there is no place for absolute assertion. The Indian government’s latest vote at the UNSC on Ukraine also reflects this perspective.

In what ways Russia is important to India?

How does the West react to the Russian attack on Ukraine?

Sanctions have been imposed on Russia’s largest bank and Russian elites and their families.

Restrictions have been imposed on purchasing US military items, including those produced by foreign nations using US software.

Germany has stopped the certification of the Nord 2 pipeline between Russia and Germany.

What are the things which shape the Indian foreign and strategic policy?

Geography: There are no security concerns for India, keeping in view India’s geography vis-à-vis Eurasian landmass. It is up to Germany, France, and the European Union to define and defend their national security.

Strategic: There is a view that challenge from China requires India to keep good relations with NATO powers and sacrifice the relationship with Russia. This view is not correct, as  Western support for India is a strategic option that benefits both the West and India. The US-India relationship, like the Russia-India relationship, is and will always be based on mutual benefit and national interest.

What are the suggestions for India?

India’s national integrity, unity, and sovereignty can only be protected, defended, and preserved by Indians. This is where ‘Atmanirbharata’ comes into action. India requires indigenous scientific, technological, cyber, space, and defense manufacturing capability and capacity. No major nation can defend its sovereignty by depending on another.

Rather than surrendering to external pressure and choosing one side or another in the new East-West conflict, India should focus on renewing its capabilities and building international relationships that strengthen our domestic capacity.

Source: This post is based on the following articles

“Abstain, But Get Stronger” published in the Times of India on 28th February 2022.

“A pragmatic tightrope walk” published in Business Standard on 27th February 2022.