Abstained: Friends and Partners on both sides

Abstained: Friends and Partners on both sides

Anjali Singh

SSIS Batch 2021-23

30 May 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine marks one of the biggest military invasions in Europe since the 2nd World War, but for India, this is a diplomatic challenge as this is a new era of conflict, antagonism, and rivalries. For Geostrategic and security reasons, India could see itself between the eager United States and Russia. India’s abstention to the UNSC resolution which demands complete withdrawal of the Russian military from the territory of Ukraine is no surprise, given that India struck balance with both Russia and Western allies over the last month of these crises. India did not support the resolution's severe language in denouncing Russia's actions. By abstaining, India retained the option of reaching out to relevant sides; In the UNSC, when a resolution is taken up, members need to cast their vote before any of the 5 permanent members used their vote. And even China abstained, considering their support to Russia.

While we see the images of the injured and scared Ukrainians pouring on our smartphones and television screens for the last week, the bloody realities of war, the brutal treatment, and no matter any historical justification which surrounds any such behavior, we observe the impact in the whole world. During the conversation between President Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PM Modi appeals for diplomacy to be given a chance in these raging attacks. Even Ukraine expressed disappointment towards India and for its stand, and this sentiment also echoed after the 3 abstentions, not just Russia’s expected response but also because of India and China’s stand. Talking about the UN, according to US envoys, "There is no middle ground", who will take India's next challenge to the next general assembly "where Russia has no veto”. "India is profoundly troubled by recent developments in Ukraine," said TS Tirumurti, India's permanent representative to the United Nations. India urged efforts to be made for the peace establishment. India has been maintaining a friendship with all sides, and it also found a middle ground to secure its ties with an aim to foster diplomacy. There is indeed considerable pressure from the West as well as from Russia to get off the fence. 

India also has a deep partnership with the United States encompassing sectors such as, technology, investment, trade, and defense pacts, not to mention thousands of Indian students living in the US. More than 167,600 are still moving to the US as per reports, thousands of students move to the US for further studies in American Universities and this situation is the same with the European Universities. However, in 21st-century India-US partnership is mostly run through defense cooperation. The American and Indian militaries have participated in a number of bilateral exercises, including YUDH ABHYAS, COPE INDIA, MALABAR, and VAJRA PRAHAR. In 2014, India took part for the first time in the multilateral maritime exercise RIMPAC; it has also participated in RED FLAG. India conducts more military exercises with the US than with any other country. Even the US Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and special forces have participated in exercises with the country. 

At this significant juncture, India’s stand is an epitome of friendship and strategic partnerships on both sides making this a diplomatic step. Moreover, as it’s clear that Russia is India’s supplier for defense weapons while keeping Indio Pacific in mind, there’s a growing bond among Western and Indian regions. India needs allies especially while dealing with the situation at LAC. 

Through all the growing casualties in Ukraine, it is observed that India’s position is carefully assessed constantly. Despite abstention, India provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine via Poland, including medical supplies and other relief materials. Along with the aforementioned, the country also evacuated its citizens and sent more and more Indian Air Force aircraft to Romania, Poland, and Hungary, making added efforts to evacuate Indians. In toto, it can be said that India possesses a clear vision of its foreign policy objectives. The country is striving to maintain peace by implementing evacuation plans and sending aid towards the humanitarian crisis caused owing to the attack by Russia. Hence, the abstention on Ukraine doesn’t mean taking sides but a diplomatic move and a step towards making peace which was the objective of the UNSC resolution. 

References

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