News Highlight
On India’s stand about the Ukraine war, the US says ‘would take PM Modi at his words’.
Key Takeaway
- On the day of the year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution calling for the conclusion of the war on February 23, 2023.
- The proposal was supported by 141 members, opposed by seven, and abstained by 32.
- Naturally, India was one of the 32 countries.
India’s Stand on Russia-Ukraine War
- India’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
- India voted against a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution presented by the United States that strongly condemns Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine.
- India voted against a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
- India also voted against an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) decision concerning the safety of four nuclear power plants.
- In addition, the Russians took control of several nuclear waste sites, including Chernobyl.
- India’s position on the Ukraine crisis
- South Africa, another big democracy, voted against condemning Russia at the UN.
- The UAE, a strong American partner in the Gulf that hosts thousands of US troops, voted against the resolution in the UN Security Council.
- Israel, the United States’ closest friend in the Middle East, criticised the Russian strike but refused to join the sanctions regime and to transfer defence hardware to Ukraine.
- Turkey, a NATO member, has done the same and is acting as a go-between for Ukraine and Russia.
- Yet, these countries have faced a different level of Western pressure and public criticism than India.
- India’s position is “slightly insecure,” according to US Vice President.
- His Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economy cautioned India of “consequences” if it traded with Russia in violation of US sanctions.
India’s relationship with the West
- The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom are all important partners.
- India’s relationships with each of them and the Western world generally go beyond the sum of their parts.
- India has relied on France’s unwavering support on various problems at the UN Security Council.
- As it contends with an aggressive China on the Line of Actual Control, India has relied on Western assistance.
- The Quad (the United States, Australia, India, and Japan) recently reached the summit level.
- Recently, the West has backed India’s efforts to limit Pakistan’s backing for cross-border terrorism.
Way Forward
- Self-Reliance in Arms
- To deal with Chinese expansionism and adventurism on its frontiers and a South Asian region suddenly emptied by America’s military presence in Afghanistan.
- India requires both the US and Russia to deter a Chinese strategic and geoeconomic threat in Asia.
- Nonetheless, it is critical to recognise that they must fight their battles alone when the two big forces clash.
- As a result, self-sufficiency is essential.
- Only when India attains true “Atma Nirbharta” in its arms will it be able to look the world in the eye
- Balanced Approach
- If India-Russia cooperation is vital on land in Asia, the QUAD is critical in fighting Chinese maritime expansionism in the Indian Ocean region.
- The desire to challenge China remains a cornerstone of Indian foreign policy and everything.
- It includes Delhi’s stance on Russian actions in Ukraine and flows from that.
Pic Courtesy: The Hindu
Content Source: The Hindu