Russia’s war against Ukraine, a former Soviet republic and its neighbour, which began on February 24, is the extreme issue the world faces after Covid 19. The global populace is slowly beginning to rid itself of the after-effects of the pandemic, which has affected millions. Now the world nations have reverted to hatred and antagonism, disappointing those who believed that the world after Covid would be different. This is often regarded as the worst condition since World War II.
Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Russia has been enraged by Ukraine’s decision to join NATO. Today, the NATO alliance led by the United States has grown from 16 to 30 members. NATO will then have a military presence in the vicinity of Moscow. Russia is unwilling to tolerate such a step, jeopardising national security. That is what has resulted in the outbreak of a conflict.
India believes that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be settled diplomatically. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this clear during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the very initial phase of the war. India’s critical role in the new world order is demonstrated by the Ambassador of Ukraine’s plea for India to intervene in the problem and the efforts made by various countries, including Russia and the United States, to keep India on their side. India takes pride in that numerous countries regard Narendra Modi as the world’s most influential leader. Today, India is one of the world’s most closely observed countries, with a solid and unbiased diplomatic position capable of maintaining good ties with all countries despite the previous weak non-alignment strategy, which was detrimental to India’s interests. This position has enabled the Narendra Modi government to strengthen ties with the United States while retaining positive relations with Russia.
The Indian Government has prioritised repatriating nearly 20,000 Indians stranded in war-torn Ukraine. Thousands of students and other personnel are being rescued and sent to India as part of the ‘Operation Ganga’ effort. The External Affairs Department is working round the clock to ensure this happens. This objective is served through relations with all European countries, including Russia and Ukraine. Students are transported to Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania through Civilian and military aircraft. According to the Central Government, this endeavour will continue until all Indians are rescued. The Indian Embassy has ordered Indian citizens to enter the combat zone in vehicles bearing the tricolour flag.
Simultaneously, India was notable for its reluctance to support a UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, despite significant US pressure. India did not cast a vote in the 15-member committee. Eleven countries supported the resolution, but it proved unsettled as Russia vetoed it. India’s Ambassador to the United Nations, T S Thirumurthy, declared that India has always adhered to the idea that all nations must respect international law and the United Nations Charter. Russia is critical to India’s security. Around 75% of the Indian forces’ weapons are purchased from Russia or manufactured using Russian technology.
Additionally, no other country cooperates with India as closely in military technology. Western nations have imposed sanctions against Russia, but enforcing them will be difficult. If trade sanctions are implemented, they will profoundly affect the global economy. Russia produces between 15% and 17% of the world’s crude oil and 16% of the world’s coal. Russia is also the world’s paramount supplier of wheat. Russia ranks sixth in terms of iron and steel production. In this scenario, it is evident that Western countries’ efforts to weaken Russia will significantly impact the global market.
The relevance of Indian belief that discussion, not violence, is the solution to all issues is growing daily.
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