Russia Ukraine War 2022-India’s Position and Diplomatic Balancing at World Forum

• Strategic autonomy
• Non-alignment (now multi-alignment)
• Peaceful resolution of disputes
• National interest–first diplomacy

India has consistently called for dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law, without openly siding with either Russia or the Western bloc.

2. India’s Stand at Global Forums

At the United Nations

• India has abstained from multiple UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions condemning Russia.
• It has avoided directly criticising Moscow while emphasizing:
  • Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
  • Immediate cessation of violence
  • Return to dialogue and diplomacy

This balanced voting reflects India’s effort to maintain diplomatic space with all sides.

3. Reasons Behind India’s Balanced Approach

a) Strategic Partnership with Russia

• Russia is a long-standing defence partner, supplying nearly 60–70% of India’s military equipment.
• Cooperation spans defence technology, nuclear energy, space, and hydrocarbons.
• Russia remains vital for spare parts and maintenance of legacy military systems.

b) Strategic Relations with the West

• India enjoys deepening ties with the US, EU, Japan, and Australia, especially through:
  • QUAD
  • Indo-Pacific strategy
  • Trade, technology, and defence cooperation
• India cannot afford to alienate Western partners critical for economic growth and security.

c) Energy and Economic Interests

• India increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil, ensuring energy security and inflation control.
• This move was framed as an economic necessity for a developing economy.

d) Strategic Autonomy Doctrine

• India avoids becoming part of any military bloc.
• Decisions are guided by national interest, not ideological alignment.

4. Diplomatic Messaging by India

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message:
  “This is not an era of war.”
  — delivered directly to President Putin, signalling concern without confrontation.
• India has supported humanitarian assistance, evacuation efforts, and peace talks.
• Maintained open communication channels with Russia, Ukraine, the US, and Europe.

5. India’s Role as a Potential Mediator

• India is seen by many countries as a credible, non-aligned interlocutor.
• During its G20 Presidency (2023), India promoted inclusive dialogue and development-centric agendas.
• However, active mediation remains limited due to:
  • Lack of trust between warring parties
  • High geopolitical stakes
  • Western skepticism of neutrality

6. Challenges for India

• Managing pressure from Western partners for clearer condemnation of Russia.
• Balancing energy security with global diplomatic expectations.
• Navigating sanctions regimes without harming national interests.
• Protecting Indian nationals and students in conflict zones.

7. Overall Assessment-Russia Ukraine War 2022

India’s approach reflects pragmatic realism rather than moral ambiguity. By maintaining diplomatic balance, India has:

• Preserved strategic autonomy
• Secured energy and defence interests
• Retained credibility across global power blocs

While criticism exists, India’s policy underscores a multi-aligned foreign policy suited to a multipolar world.

Conclusion

India’s stance on the Russia–Ukraine war exemplifies its evolving role as a responsible global actor, balancing ethics, national interest, and geopolitical realism. Rather than choosing sides, India has chosen stability, dialogue, and strategic autonomy—positioning itself as a potential bridge in a deeply divided global order.