India’s Peacekeeping Role in Ukraine Strengthens Influence

Source: The post India’s Peacekeeping Role in Ukraine Strengthens Influence has been created, based on the article “Vishwaguru India: A to-do list” published in “Indian Express” on 13th March 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article suggests India should take a bold peacekeeping role in Ukraine after a ceasefire. It argues that this would boost India’s global influence, strengthen its leadership, and position it as a major power. It calls this strategy “Gaga diplomacy”—confident and transformative.

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

How Can India Use the Ukraine Conflict to Strengthen Its Global Role?

1. Strategic Opportunity: India can utilize the Ukraine conflict as a pivotal moment to transition from a regional power to a global leader.
2. Peacekeeping Mission: Proposing to deploy 5,000 troops to stabilize the region, reflecting a significant increase from the 1,000 troops sent to Korea in 1953.
3. Supporting Peace: Echoing Vijayalakshmi Pandit’s advice, India aims to turn peace efforts into tangible actions, boosting its reputation as a peace guarantor.

What Is the Idea of “Gaga Diplomacy”?

1. Gaga Diplomacy Concept: Described as bold, confident, and unapologetic, akin to the style of Lady Gaga.
2. Strategic Neutrality: India maintains connections with both sides in global conflicts, aligning its strategies for global good.

How Can India’s Peacekeeping Mission Be Structured?

1. India should position itself as a stabilizing force in Ukraine under a UN or coalition mandate.
2. The proposed peacekeeping force could start with 3,000 troops in August and scale up to 5,000 by fall.
3. Indian troops, including Gorkhas and Rajput Regiments, are experienced in UN peace missions (e.g., Congo, Sudan).

4.,The mission would focus on civilian protection, ceasefire monitoring, and using modern technology (drones, surveillance).

What Role Would Global Powers Play in This Plan?

1. United States: If Donald Trump returns, he may push for peace in Ukraine. India could leverage its trade ties (e.g., $10 billion in LNG imports) to gain US support.
2. Europe: Leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer may be willing to fund India’s peacekeeping mission ($1 billion estimated).
3. Russia: India must reassure Russia that this is a neutral effort, not a NATO-backed mission.
4. Ukraine: India already has goodwill in Ukraine and can use diplomatic ties to gain acceptance.

How Would This Benefit India?

1. Global Recognition: India would move from being a bystander to a leader in world affairs.
2. Diplomatic Leverage: A successful mission would strengthen India’s case for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
3. Economic Gains: Stronger ties with Europe and the US could increase investment and trade.
4. Strategic Positioning: It would enhance India’s standing as a leader in the Global South, bridging the gap between Western and non-Western nations.

Question for practice:

Examine how India can leverage a peacekeeping role in Ukraine to enhance its global influence and strategic positioning.