Is India’s position on Russia affecting its relationship with the U.S.? 

News: Recently, India’s neutral position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has antagonised the U.S.

In fact, the U.S. has issued a warning against conducting local currency transactions through Russia’s central bank or constructing an alternative payment mechanism that subverts or circumvents the U.S.’s sanctions against Russia.  

What are the issues with India’s neutral stand on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine?

Around 140 nations (apart from the western countries) have condemned Russia’s actions in the United Nations General Assembly. India seems to be isolated in its position of being supportive of Russia. 

The west is wary of India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil. On the one side, the rest of the world is trying to isolate Russia. On the other side, India’s move may lead to boosting up the Russian economy. 

If nobody stands up for the territorial sovereignty of other countries (Here, Russia invading Ukraine), it will prompt China to do something aggressive with Taiwan. China may also create another border crisis with India. 

Russia is not a dependable partner for India. The crushing sanctions which are going to be faced by it will destroy its economy.  

India’s move could impact the strategic cooperation of India with three nations in the QUAD.

How is India’s stand not wrong? 

Although, India has not directly named while condemning Russia, it has sufficiently criticized Russia.

– Statements have been issued against the transgression of international law; violation of territorial integrity and sovereignty; and the civilian killings.

– In addition, India has supported an independent inquiry.  

India has been adopting the policy to be neutral since 1956. For example, India has done so in Hungary in 1956, in the Czech Republic (which was then Czechoslovakia) and in Afghanistan in 1979. 

The U.S. sanctions have double standards. The US has carved out waivers for Europe on energy purchases, as the continent is dependent on Russia. But the US has ignored India’s defence dependency on Russia 

As per international law, the U.S. sanctions do not have any legal backing. These are “unilateral coercive economic measures” having validity in U.S. laws and European Union (EU) laws.  

India is a developing country. It has not come out of the COVID-19-related economic shock. It has huge economic needs. For example, Petrol, and Food prices are increasing.  

In fact, the amount of oil that India imports from the Russian Federation is very small. Also, India’s moves for diversifying defence purchases will take time. 

Way forward 

The U.S. should take other countries on board while taking international actions. It is because when the US takes unilateral action, it also impacts other countries, and as strategic partners, India has a right to request them to be more understanding of its needs than they have been. 

Both countries should discuss their differences over Russia. They should elaborate on the bilateral agenda 

The 2+2 meeting is a good opportunity to work on other aspects of Indo-US relationship while exchanging views quietly.

The US needs to look beyond the battlefield. Now, the security covers a vast array of non-traditional areas. For example, like mobility, climate change, health, technology and maritime security.

Source: The post is based on an article “Is India’s position on Russia affecting its relationship with the U.S.?” published in The Hindu on 8th Apr 22.