It is hard to miss the sudden flurry of diplomatic activity. European Union’s Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific, Gabriele Vicentin, held talks with India’s Ministry of External Affairs this week. Now, US Deputy National Security Adviser Dalip Singh, who is America’s chief strategist on sanctions against Russia, is here for talks with Indian officials. Singh’s visit coincides with the visit of British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, which will be followed by the arrival of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Not to forget, China’s foreign minister had just dropped out a few days ago.
The Ukraine crisis is likely to be at the top of the agenda. India’s neutral stance has helped the country maintain an equal distance from the West on one side and Russia on the other. But the longer the war in Europe lasts, the more difficult it will be for New Delhi not to openly criticize Russia. So far, the US-led West has attributed our public stance to the legacy compulsions associated with the Cold War. But Russia’s aggression against a country that embraces democratic liberties has given the struggle an ideological tone that we cannot ignore. New Delhi’s stringent act requires showing empathy for the cause.
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