Hours after PM’s remarks, another blow to India Putin Since it voted in favor of allowing the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky To address the United Nations virtually next week.
Some media reports suggested that the recent developments may eventually signal a change in India’s response, which has so far been wary of criticism. Russia,
Since the Russo-Ukraine War began seven months ago, India has managed to create a link between Moscow and Washington while pursuing its interests.
PM Modi has asked Russia for cheap oil and much-needed weapons to counter Beijing’s aggression on its disputed Himalayan border; And more investment from the US and its allies seeking to diversify supply chains and bypass China.
The new ‘international order’
However, the “no borders” friendship forged by Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Putin earlier this year could be a factor in India’s long-term strategic plan as tensions with China continue despite the recent withdrawal of troops from the border.
Indeed, PM Modi’s remarks may have thrown a wrench in Putin’s plan to rally Asian leaders behind a new “international order” aimed at challenging Western influence.
The SCO summit in former Soviet Uzbekistan brought together Putin and Xi, along with leaders from India, Pakistan and four Central Asian countries, as well as the presidents of Iran and Turkey. The summit was put forward by the Kremlin as an alternative to “Western-focused organizations” at a time of mounting pressure on Ukraine to Moscow and growing anger in Beijing over US support for Taiwan.
While Xi told gathered leaders that it was time to reshape the international system and “abandon the zero-sum game and bloc politics”, Putin lauded the growing influence of countries outside the West, which he called ” protectionism, illegal sanctions and economic means”. Selfishness”.
“The increasing role of new centers of power cooperating with each other… is becoming more and more apparent,” Putin said.
However, the rhetoric hit the wall during Putin’s conversation with PM Modi.
“I know today’s era is not of war and we have spoken to you many times over the phone that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue are the things that touch the world,” PM Modi said as Putin wiped his lips, Looked at the PM and then looked down before touching the hair on the back of the head.
Returning to a line repeatedly used by the Russian leader as a stopgap whenever a country’s leader expresses concern over the ongoing war, Putin said he understands that the Indian leader has concerns about Ukraine. But Moscow was doing everything it could to end the conflict.
“This is not an era of war”: PM Modi to Russian President on the sidelines of SCO summit
For Putin, the summit was an attempt to show that he is not completely isolated on the global scene, at a time when his forces in Ukraine are facing major setbacks on the battlefield. PM Modi’s comment badly hurt that image.
Even before the summit began, India’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat said: “India is very clear that the SCO is not an organization that is against any other country or any other country. The SCO is a stand for constructive cooperation and peace. Enterprise and sustainability in the world.”
Many experts agree that the challenge for India in the coming months will be to manage its declining ties with Russia, nurture its growing ties with the US, while protecting its interests from all sides. A challenge that would require some really clever diplomacy.
(with inputs from agencies)