Challenges in the Russia-Ukraine war

Source: The post challenges in the Russia-Ukraine war has been created, based on the article “India’s place in Russia-Ukraine peace-making” published in “The Hindu” on 20th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses India’s potential role in mediating the Russia-Ukraine war. It highlights India’s diplomatic efforts, its neutral position, and the challenges it faces in becoming a peacemaker between Russia and Ukraine amidst various global and internal issues.

For detailed information on India’s role in Russia-Ukraine Crisis read this article here

What is India’s role in the Russia-Ukraine war?

1. India is engaging diplomatically with both Russia and Ukraine, maintaining neutrality by abstaining from UN votes and avoiding Western sanctions.
2. Prime Minister Modi has visited both Moscow and Kyiv, while National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar are involved in discussions.
3. India’s G-20 presidency prioritized global issues like energy and food security, not the war, appealing to the Global South.
4. Bilateral trade with Russia has increased six-fold, largely due to increased Russian oil imports.
5. India’s neutral stance portrays it as an honest broker, similar to Jawaharlal Nehru’s mediation efforts during the Cold War.
6. India seeks to develop a concrete peace proposal, leveraging its unique position between the Global North and South, and as a member of both the Quad and BRICS.

What are the current challenges in the Russia-Ukraine war?

1. Territorial Stalemate: Russian troops control about one-sixth of Ukrainian territory, while Ukraine holds the line outside these areas.
2. Potential Escalation: Ukraine seeks Western permission for long-range missiles like Storm Shadow and ATACM, aimed at striking deep into Russia.
3. Risk of Wider Conflict: Putin warned that NATO’s involvement would escalate the conflict into a direct war.
4. International Dynamics: The U.S. election in November could affect Ukraine’s support. A Donald Trump win may reduce U.S. aid, benefiting Russia’s position.

What proposals exist for resolving the conflict?

1. Mutual Rejection of Proposals: Both Russia and Ukraine have rejected each other’s proposals, particularly those involving territorial concessions.
2. Brazil-China Proposal: The joint proposal from Brazil and China, advocating de-escalation, was rejected by Ukraine.
3. Bürgenstock Communiqué: Russia dismissed this document, which focused on nuclear safety, humanitarian access, and prisoner exchanges, with India also distancing itself.
4. Hungary’s Ceasefire Proposal: Hungary’s ceasefire initiative was also declined by Ukraine.

What are the challenges India faces as a peacemaker?

1. Internal Conflicts: India is managing internal issues, such as the conflict in Manipur, which requires its resources and attention.
2. Global Conflicts: Civilian casualties from conflicts like Gaza and Sudan are higher than in the Russia-Ukraine war, raising questions about India’s intervention priorities.
3. Inconsistent Foreign Policy: India promotes “dialogue and diplomacy” but has not opened talks with Pakistan, which challenges its consistency.
4. Global Legacy: India is a key player in both the West and East, the Global North and South. It is the only country that is a member of both the Quad and BRICS. Timing and balance will be critical in India’s role as a peacemaker.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges India faces in positioning itself as a peacemaker in the Russia-Ukraine war.