Not neutral, India on the side of peace, says Modi in Ukraine
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations |
| Context |
| ●Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian leader since its independence, highlights India’s balancing role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
●The visit focused on peace efforts, humanitarian cooperation, and strengthening bilateral relations, amidst concerns over India’s trade with Russia and its global influence on the crisis. |
Advancements in India-Ukraine Relations during Prime Minister Modi’s Recent Visit:
- Historic Visit: This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since its independence in 1991.
- Peace Efforts: Prime Minister Modi emphasised9 India’s commitment to supporting peace efforts, underlining India’s stance on the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Humanitarian Focus: Four key agreements were signed, focusing on:
- Humanitarian assistance by India for high-capacity development projects.
- Cooperation in agriculture and the food industry.
- Cultural cooperation.
- Agreement on drug quality and regulation.
- Support for Sovereignty: PM Modi reaffirmed India’s respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, stressing that India has chosen the “side of peace” from the start of the conflict.
- Ukraine’s Concerns: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy raised concerns about India’s purchase of Russian oil, highlighting India’s influence on Russia’s economy.
| How can India mediate between Russia – Ukraine conflict? |
Ways for India to Mediate Between Russia and Ukraine● Diplomatic Engagement: Leverage India’s non-aligned stance and strong diplomatic relations with both Russia and Ukraine to facilitate dialogue and propose peace talks. ● Humanitarian Assistance: Increase humanitarian aid to affected regions, showing commitment to alleviating human suffering and building goodwill with both sides. ● International Forums: Utilise platforms like the United Nations and BRICS to advocate for peaceful resolutions and support conflict de-escalation measures. ● Neutral Mediator: Offer to host peace negotiations or act as a neutral intermediary to bridge gaps between the conflicting parties. ● Economic Leverage: Use India’s growing economic influence to encourage economic incentives or sanctions adjustments that might appeal to both sides. Potential Implications for India● Enhanced Global Standing: Successfully mediating could bolster India’s reputation as a responsible global actor and enhance its standing in international diplomacy. ● Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening ties with both Russia and Ukraine could open up new avenues for trade, defence, and technology collaborations. ● Geopolitical Risks: Engaging in mediation could lead to geopolitical risks, including potential backlash from global powers with vested interests in the conflict. ● Domestic Reactions: Balancing relationships with both Russia and Ukraine may cause domestic political challenges and public scrutiny. ● Economic Impact: Increased involvement might affect India’s trade relationships or energy imports from Russia, necessitating careful management of economic impacts. |
| Practice Question: Evaluate how India can leverage its diplomatic position to mediate between Russia and Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. Discuss the potential strategies and challenges involved in India’s mediation efforts. (150 Words /10 marks) |
