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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent diplomatic engagements have thrust India into the global spotlight. His attendance at the G7 summit in Italy, followed by visits to Russia and Ukraine, culminating in a trip to the United States, coupled with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to Berlin, signal a heightened role for India in facilitating dialogue and potentially mediating between warring parties. This intricate diplomatic dance reflects India's commitment to 'strategic autonomy' – a policy rooted in its post-colonial experience and its commitment to non-alignment during the Cold War. This approach prioritizes independent decision-making in foreign affairs, avoiding entanglement in great power rivalries and preserving the ability to forge partnerships based on national interest rather than ideological alignment.
Modi's visits to Russia and Ukraine demonstrate the sophistication of his diplomatic approach. In Moscow, he reaffirmed India's commitment to its historic partnership with Russia, built on decades of cooperation in defense, trade, and energy. While acknowledging the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, Modi refrained from directly criticizing Russia's actions. His visit to Kyiv, however, signaled a different tone. Modi expressed unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning the violence and offering humanitarian assistance. This marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since its independence and underscored India's commitment to upholding international law and principles of peaceful coexistence. These seemingly divergent positions, taken within a short span of time, reflect a carefully calibrated strategy aimed at preserving India's relationships with both sides, while simultaneously advocating for peace and stability.
India's foreign policy doctrine of 'strategic autonomy' has long been a cornerstone of its international relations. This approach has allowed India to cultivate robust relationships with a diverse array of nations, including both Russia and the West. Historically, India has enjoyed a close strategic partnership with Russia, built on strong defense ties and the Soviet era legacy. However, in recent decades, India has also sought to deepen its engagement with the West, recognizing the importance of these relationships for its economic development and security interests. The US, in particular, has emerged as a key partner for India, with growing cooperation in areas such as defense, trade, and technology. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has placed significant strain on India's ability to maintain this delicate balance, as Western powers, led by the United States, have imposed stringent sanctions on Russia and actively sought to isolate it diplomatically.
India's response to the conflict has been characterized by a nuanced and pragmatic approach. It has refrained from explicitly condemning Russia's actions, abstaining from UN votes criticizing the invasion and maintaining its economic ties with Moscow, including the purchase of discounted Russian oil. This stance has drawn criticism from some Western quarters, who have urged India to take a more forceful stand against Russia. However, India has defended its position, arguing that it is acting in its own national interest and that dialogue and diplomacy are the only path to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. This approach reflects a broader shift in the global landscape towards multipolarity. The rise of China, coupled with the resurgence of Russia, has challenged the unipolarity that characterized the post-Cold War era. In this evolving world order, India seeks to maintain its strategic autonomy and avoid becoming overly reliant on any single power.
India's proactive engagement in seeking a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict extends beyond Modi's direct involvement. Doval's meeting with Putin in Moscow and Jaishankar's visit to Berlin highlight India's more proactive and pronounced role in conflicting times. These meetings focused on exploring potential pathways for de-escalation and the resumption of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, identifying common ground and exploring confidence-building measures that could pave the way for a ceasefire and meaningful dialogue. Jaishankar's visit to Berlin aimed at engaging with European leaders on the broader implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and exploring India's potential role in facilitating a peaceful settlement. He emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution that addresses the security concerns of all parties involved and highlighted India's growing concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict, particularly on developing countries facing food and energy shortages as a result of the disruption in global supply chains.
India's diplomatic efforts are guided by a four-point principle that has been articulated by Jaishankar in various international forums. This principle emphasizes that war is not a viable solution to international disputes in the 21st century, that there are no solutions on the battlefield, that Russia must be at the table for talks, and that India is concerned and engaged to find a resolution. India's diplomatic engagements in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict offer several lessons for the international community. Firstly, India's ability to maintain balanced relationships with diverse powers, even those with opposing views on critical issues, provides a model for other countries seeking to navigate a complex and multipolar world. Secondly, India's emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy, even in the face of a protracted and seemingly intractable conflict, underscores the importance of peaceful resolution and the need to avoid escalating tensions. Thirdly, India's commitment to promoting peace and stability, not only in its own region, but also in other parts of the world, demonstrates its growing role as a responsible global power.
India's unique position affords it a significant opportunity to play a constructive role in mediating the conflict and potentially facilitating a peaceful resolution. Its ability to engage with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as with Western powers, allows it to serve as a bridge between the opposing players and potentially foster dialogue and understanding. This intricate web of relationships stems from India's long-standing policy of strategic autonomy, its commitment to non-alignment, and its ability to forge partnerships based on national interest rather than ideological divides. While many nations have been forced to choose sides in the conflict, aligning themselves either with Russia or the West, India has deftly navigated this diplomatic tightrope, maintaining open channels of communication and cooperation with all parties involved. As the conflict continues to unfold, India's unique position and its diplomatic efforts could prove crucial in shaping the path towards a more peaceful and stable future for the region and the world.
Source: After Trips to Ukraine and Russia, What PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to the US Means