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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?
- India is engaging diplomatically with both Russia and Ukraine, maintaining neutrality by abstaining from UN votes and avoiding Western sanctions.
- 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.
- India’s G-20 presidency prioritized global issues like energy and food security, not the war, appealing to the Global South.
- Bilateral trade with Russia has increased six-fold, largely due to increased Russian oil imports.
- India’s neutral stance portrays it as an honest broker, similar to Jawaharlal Nehru’s mediation efforts during the Cold War.
- 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?
- Territorial Stalemate: Russian troops control about one-sixth of Ukrainian territory, while Ukraine holds the line outside these areas.
- Potential Escalation: Ukraine seeks Western permission for long-range missiles like Storm Shadow and ATACM, aimed at striking deep into Russia.
- Risk of Wider Conflict: Putin warned that NATO’s involvement would escalate the conflict into a direct war.
- 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?
- Mutual Rejection of Proposals: Both Russia and Ukraine have rejected each other’s proposals, particularly those involving territorial concessions.
- Brazil-China Proposal: The joint proposal from Brazil and China, advocating de-escalation, was rejected by Ukraine.
- Bürgenstock Communiqué: Russia dismissed this document, which focused on nuclear safety, humanitarian access, and prisoner exchanges, with India also distancing itself.
- Hungary’s Ceasefire Proposal: Hungary’s ceasefire initiative was also declined by Ukraine.
What are the challenges India faces as a peacemaker?
- Internal Conflicts: India is managing internal issues, such as the conflict in Manipur, which requires its resources and attention.
- 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.
- Inconsistent Foreign Policy: India promotes “dialogue and diplomacy” but has not opened talks with Pakistan, which challenges its consistency.
- 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.