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AT STAKE IN UKRAINE
What the article is about?
- Talks about the Russia Ukraine Crisis and its impact on India
Syllabus: GS-II International Relations
Russia-Ukraine conflict:
- Tensions between Ukraine and Russia, both former Soviet states, escalated in late 2013 over a landmark political and trade deal with the European Union.
- After the pro-Russian then-President, Viktor Yanukovych, suspended the talks, weeks of protests in Kiev erupted into violence.
- Then, in March 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, an autonomous peninsula in southern Ukraine with strong Russian loyalties, on the pretext that it was defending its interests and those of Russian-speaking citizens.
- Shortly afterwards, pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions declared their independence from Kiev, prompting months of heavy fighting.
- Despite Kiev and Moscow signing a peace deal in Minsk in 2015, brokered by France and Germany, there have been repeated ceasefire violations.
India’s Response:
- India did not join the Western powers’ condemnation of Russia’s intervention in Crimea and kept a low profile on the issue.
- In November 2020, India voted against a Ukraine-sponsored resolution in the United Nations (UN) that condemned alleged human rights violations in Crimea thereby backing old ally Russia on the issue.
Impact on India:
- Hinder Delhi’s interest in preventing a further deepening of Russia’s ties with China.
- To counter western backlash Russia will need Chinese support- diplomatic and military
- Complicate India’s effort to maintain a delicate balance between its partnerships with the US, Europe and Russia.
- India can’t openly criticise the Russian action or endorse it
- Western response and sanctions might hinder Indian strategic interests.
- A deteriorating situation in Europe could draw US attention away from Indo-Pacific theatre.
- This could hamper India’s move to deepen security and economic ties with European partners.
- Also in order to counter Russia, European capitals seek to stabilise ties with China
- Also impacts India’s economic and defence trade ties with Ukraine.
- Around 7500 Indians are also residing in Ukraine, among students pursuing a career there.
Way Out:
- India aims for a diplomatic solution and non-military action in the conflict
- A practical solution for the situation is to revive the Minsk peace process.
