Ukraine Crisis: Neutrality best option for India
STORIES, ANALYSES, EXPERT VIEWS
The evolving Ukraine situation has implications for India, which has close strategic ties with both Russia and the United States. Both want India’s support to their respective positions. India also has close defence ties with Ukraine which is currently involved in upgrading India’s AN-32 fleet as also providing gas turbine engines for naval vessels. About 8,000 Indian students study in Ukraine. India’s interests are therefore, quite substantial and any increase in tensions or hostilities, is likely to have major foreign policy implications.
In the circumstances, writes Harsha Kakar (retired Major-General) “India would desire a peaceful resolution to the crisis. India maintained neutrality during the Russian takeover of Crimea in 2014.” Then, alongside 57 nations, it abstained from the UN Resolution in response to the Russian annexation of Crimea. Kakar believes “neutrality is the best option for the current.”
Indian position
The Indian decision to stay neutral has no doubt irked the US. The US deputy secretary of state, Wendy Sherman recently spoke to the Indian foreign secretary, Harsh Shringla, on the subject. Ukraine was mentioned as a topic discussed in the US statement. The Indian spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi stated in his press briefing, “We call for a peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts for longterm peace and stability in the region and beyond.”
Presently therefore, Kakar says India is not in the US camp in its dispute with Russia. It was reported that the Russian side had explained its stance over Ukraine during the Indo-Russia summit in December last year.
Probable impact if crisis continues
A continuation of the crisis, writes Kakar “would result in eastern Europe being the centre of global attention, pushing Indo-Pacific and Chinese actions against its neighbours into the background…..”
Should the US decide to impose of further sanctions on Russia, this “could be an added headache as Indian procurement of defence equipment and spares continue, apart from other economic activities. India currently has 65 per cent of its equipment of Russian origin. As the Indian foreign secretary had stated, without Russian support, ‘our ships won’t sail, and our aircraft won’t fly.’ It would push Russia closer into the Chinese camp as also Pakistan, which could hurt Indian interests……”
(Also read recent issues of News behind the News - NbN, to understand probable implications for India)
