India's stand on Russia-Ukraine Conflict

India’s stand on Russia-Ukraine Conflict

At the United Nations, India abstained from a procedural vote on whether to discuss the situation-a vote that Russia lost- with a U.S.-led group of 10 countries agreeing to the discussion.

Table of Contents

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Explained- Relevance for UPSC Exam

GS Paper 2: International Relations- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Background

India said it was watching the latest developments along Ukraine’s eastern border and Russia’s recognition of separatist states in the Donbas region “with deep concern”.
However, India stopped short of criticising Moscow’s actions, during a debate at the United Nations Security Council.

India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict Explained

Call for Restrained and Diplomatic Resolution: Recently, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN called for restraint and diplomatic dialogue.
Abstained at UNSC Meeting on Russia-Ukraine Conflict: At the United Nations, India abstained from a procedural vote on whether to discuss the situation-a vote that Russia lost- with a U.S.-led group of 10 countries agreeing to the discussion.
- India’s vote was seen as a play to both sides, but it came after Russia-India consultations in Delhi and was seen as a tilt towards Moscow.
Long-term peace and stability in the region: India’s immediate priority is the de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries.
- This is aimed towards securing long-term peace and stability in the region and beyond.

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India’s Concerns on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict Explained

Might lead to World War: Any conflict- where the U.S. and its European allies are ranged against Russia will impact the whole world- economically and in terms of security.
- India, as a partner to both Moscow and Washington, will either have to take sides or be prepared to deal with unhappiness from both sides.
US waiver for S-400: The Russia-Ukraine crisis comes precisely as India’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system is underway- and New Delhi hopes for a waiver of U.S. sanctions on this.
- Russia-Ukraine Conflict will complicate both the delivery of the system and the possibility of a presidential waiver.
Growing Russia-China Relations: Russian-Ukraine Crisis will make Moscow more dependent on friends like China, and build a regional bloc of sorts that India is not a part of.
Energy crisis: In any conflict, Europe worries Russia will turn down gas and oil supplies, driving energy prices up.
- India’s huge dependence on crude oil will affect its trade balance in case of the continued Russia-Ukraine Conflict.
- Already tensions have pushed oil prices up 14% in a month past $90 and analysts say they could hit $125 a barrel if the situation is not resolved.