By John Q. Hosedrinker 
During a meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to work towards ending the war in Ukraine and establishing a lasting peace. Modi expressed his support for current initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict and emphasized the importance of expediting a cessation of hostilities. The leaders also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in economic, financial, and energy sectors, expressing satisfaction with the growth of their strategic partnership. Furthermore, Modi anticipated meeting Putin again later this year at the 23rd Annual Summit in India.
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India’s Prime Minister, in a diplomatic move that sent ripples across the global stage, met with Vladimir Putin and directly urged him to bring an end to the ongoing war and seek a peaceful resolution. This action, while seemingly straightforward, is layered with geopolitical complexities and historical context, highlighting India’s long-standing commitment to non-alignment and its delicate balancing act in the face of international conflict. It’s a message that resonates with many nations, especially those in the Global South, who prefer to remain outside of bloc politics.
At its core, India’s call for peace reflects its national interests. The war’s impact on global food supplies, inflation, and energy prices directly affects India’s economic stability. Moreover, a prolonged conflict could potentially embolden rival nations or be exploited by adversaries. Beyond these practical considerations, India’s position aligns with its foundational principles of non-alignment. This philosophy, forged in the post-colonial era, emphasizes maintaining friendly relations with all nations, refraining from taking sides in disputes, and prioritizing peaceful resolutions through dialogue and diplomacy.
India’s relationship with Russia is deep-rooted, shaped by decades of strategic partnership, particularly in defense and energy. This doesn’t mean India turns a blind eye to actions that run counter to international norms, nor does it suggest complete alignment with any single bloc. India’s approach is nuanced; maintaining existing ties while advocating for an end to hostilities. It acknowledges Russia’s importance to India, both strategically and economically, without necessarily endorsing its actions in the current conflict. India’s approach of not taking sides, as demonstrated by its abstentions in the UN, reflects a broader foreign policy strategy.
This stance allows India to retain its influence with both the West and Russia, while also positioning itself as a potential mediator. It shows a commitment to global stability and a willingness to be a voice for peace, especially among those nations that don’t want to be forced into picking sides. The impact of this conversation and Modi’s call for a ceasefire is still unclear, and the Kremlin is unlikely to change their policy based on this. However, its impact does have symbolic importance. It underscores India’s commitment to peace and its role as a voice of moderation on the global stage.
The reactions to Modi’s diplomatic intervention are mixed, echoing the complexity of the situation. Some see it as a genuine effort to promote peace, even if it is largely symbolic. Others are more skeptical, questioning whether such words can influence Putin’s actions. Some point out that, realistically, India will not cut ties with Russia, given the strategic and economic advantages. Some critics, especially in the West, argue that India should take a stronger stance against Russia. The reality is, that India is walking a tightrope, balancing its long-standing relationship with Russia, its commitment to international law, and its own strategic interests.
India’s non-alignment position has, historically, enabled it to avoid being dragged into conflicts that do not directly concern its interests. For instance, during World War II, India, then under British rule, played a significant role in supporting the Allied forces. Following independence, India adopted a policy of non-alignment, steering clear of Cold War politics and focusing on its own development. This approach, while sometimes criticized, has given India flexibility in international affairs and allowed it to cultivate relationships across the globe.
India’s call for peace is not an isolated event; it’s part of a broader global trend. Many world leaders, across continents and political ideologies, have voiced similar concerns about the war’s devastating effects, urging an end to the fighting and a return to negotiations. From this perspective, Modi’s public call to Putin echoes a widespread sentiment. It highlights the shared desire for peace and stability, even as nations navigate conflicting interests and geopolitical rivalries.
The economic impacts of the war are also a key consideration for India. With the disruptions to supply chains, the rising cost of energy and food, and increased global instability, the conflict has created real economic challenges for India. India, like other nations, seeks to find a balance, and to find solutions to this complexity. India and the international community, are all forced to navigate a difficult landscape in which multiple powers are vying for influence. This is a moment that demands careful diplomacy and a commitment to finding peaceful solutions.