Visit of Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Emin Zhaparova For India, the first by a senior government official from the Eastern European country since Russia’s invasion reflects Kiev’s willingness to forge tighter ties with New Delhi and seek its help in resolving the conflict. Earlier, Ukraine had publicly expressed displeasure over India’s stand on the war. In August last year, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba attacked India’s energy purchases from Russia, saying it contained “Ukrainian blood”, and that Kiev hoped for “more pragmatic support” from New Delhi. But Ms. Zhaparova said Ukraine did not want to dictate terms to India on its energy and economic ties with other countries, but that as her country was fighting an existential battle, she seemed more pragmatic. The war has left India in a difficult position. Russia is a historic partner with whom India has deep defense ties and there is no easy, immediate alternative. And, Russia’s aggression is a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and international laws. The war has also complicated India’s relations with its western partners as trans-Atlantic powers led by the United States have launched an economic war against Russia, keeping India and much of the global south away.
India has attempted to navigate this maze of geopolitics through realpolitik – it has refused to condemn Russia, maintaining defense and trade ties, while also expressing its unease towards war and called for respect for the territorial integrity of all countries. But as the war progresses, this balancing act can be interpreted as passivity. India is the chair of the G-20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and will be under pressure to show global leadership and do more to help end war. The conflict has hurt not only Europe but the entire world, and there is a growing consensus among countries in the Global South that hostilities must end as soon as possible. China and Brazil have sensed this urgency and have indicated a greater role to play in bringing about peace. India should not be ashamed. New Delhi has good relations with Moscow, and Ms. Dzhaparova’s visit shows that Kiev is also looking to India to play a bigger role in peace-building. India’s policy towards the conflict is rooted in its strategic neutrality. But neutrality does not mean doing nothing, waiting for the conflict to run its course. It should empathize more vocally with the victim, raise the voices and interests of the Global South, and call for upholding the sovereignty of all states and international law, while also pushing for practical and sustainable solutions to the conflict .