Could India be a mediator between Russia and Ukraine?

Source– The post is based on the article “Could India be a mediator between Russia and Ukraine?” published in The Indian Express on 10th November 2022.

Syllabus: GS2- International relations

Relevance: Russia- Ukraine conflict

News- The article explains the scope for India’s role in mediating between Russia and UKraine.

What has been the stance of India on the Ukraine issue?

India has strongly advocated for dialogue and diplomacy from the beginning of war. It has called for peace, respect for international law and support for the UN charter.

This has been India’s stance since the beginning of the war. However, the Indian position articulated by Jaishankar had a new element. He positioned India’s request in the context of the “Global South”.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed to President Putin in Samarkand in September that this is not an era of war. The global economy is simply too inter-dependent for a significant conflict anywhere. The Global South is feeling this pain very acutely.

Which events show the scope for mediation role by India?

Prime Minister Modi has had at least five phone conversations with President Vladimir Putin and at least three phone calls with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It indicates that New Delhi has communication channels with both sides.

Mexico had suggested that Modi, Pope Francis and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres mediate the Russia-Ukraine crisis, but there has been no progress on the proposal.

India is concerned over the rising oil price amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In Moscow, he offered help with issues including food grains and fertiliser shipments, and support for any initiative that de-risks the global economy.

What is the importance of strong bilateral ties with Russia?

The most important aspect of relations is energy issues. India is buying Russian oil at discounted prices even when there is a threat of western sanctions.

India has strategic stakes in defence ties with Russia.

A closer Russia-China strategic embrace is detrimental to India’s interests, given the US-China rivalry.

India might become a frontline state in the 21st century rivalry between China and America. In this context, India needs Moscow to keep its defence supplies going strongly with India, and not share sensitive technologies with China.

Putin has said that Russia does not transfer to any other country the military technologies shared with India. This is an assurance that India must constantly verify in respect of the weaponry and technologies that Moscow supplies to Beijing.