GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests
Source: The Indian Express
Context: During his first visit to Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India’s External Affairs Minister expressed strong support for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace.
India’s reaction to the conflict:
- Expressed concern without openly condemning Russian actions.
- Emphasised the importance of the UN Charter – the sanctity of territorial sovereignty.
- The economic impact of the war on the “Global South” ( Global south refers to the developing and less developed countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. )
- As a result, India strongly favours a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Why is India regarded as the best mediator?
- Neutral player: As India has walked the diplomatic tightrope, it has won credibility on both sides as a mediator between them.
- Successful diplomatic involvement earlier:
- Preventing the attack on the nuclear power station at Zaporizhzhia in eastern Ukraine.
- During the Black Sea grain shipment, discussions to intervene with Russia.
- Leader of Global South: Mexico had suggested that the PM of India, Pope Francis and the UN Secretary-General should mediate the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
- Good relations with Moscow and the West: India can use this unique leverage to put pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine.
- Geopolitical aspirations: Peace-making might help India gain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Challenges ahead for India to be a mediator:
- Understanding the dynamics: Between Russia and Ukraine, Russia and the European players, Ukraine and European partners and move ahead accordingly.
- Experience: India has effectively negotiated in bilateral and multilateral formats, but negotiating in a crisis is a different question.
- Risk-taking ability: While India has shown risk-taking abilities in its immediate region (surgical strikes in Pakistan), entering a geopolitical crisis of this size is different.
- Credibility: The West sees India as closer to Russia, as India keeps buying Russian oil at discounted prices despite the west’s criticism.
- Cannot afford a slide in relations with Russia:
- Both India-Russia has strategic ties in nuclear, space, defence, energy, and connectivity – sectors.
- Russia does not transfer to any other country the military technologies shared with India.
- Also, India cannot afford a closer strategic relationship between Russia and China.
Conclusion: The Russia-Ukraine crisis has entered a new phase, in which Indian diplomacy could aid in a range of realistic ways to address the stated challenges.
Insta Links:
Globe-changing reverberations of the Ukraine war
Mains Link:
Q. The Ukraine conflict seems to have reached a deadlock. How can Indian diplomacy participate and contribute to the peace efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war? Examine. (15M)
