Ukraine’s situation, India’s national interest
This topic of “Ukraine’s situation, India’s national interest” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Portion.
Context
Russia – Ukraine War.
What the editorial is about?
The path for New Delhi amid the Russia – Ukraine War.
In the 21st century, why is Russia using despicable 19th century Imperialist language?
- Russia seems to believe that “Ukraine is an illegitimate country that exists on land that is historically and rightfully Russia’s”.
- But even the most biased Russian history book does not suggest even remotely this outrageous Nazi-like belief of Russia.
- For Russia, they want to strive for the demilitarization and de-Nazification of Ukraine, as well bring to justice those who committed numerous bloody crimes against civilians.
- There is, or was, however no genocide in Ukraine proved by any documented report. Moreover, the Ukrainian government is nowhere close to be legitimately called “Nazi”.
- Thus, the talk of a “de-Nazification” of the Russian establishment, while absurd at the factual level, nonetheless reveals that Russian president is “acting on his long-held autocratic belief that the Ukrainian government has no right to exist”.
- His goal seems to be to make Ukraine into a vassal of his future yet imaginary, Russian-led Soviet Empire.
- In his earlier 2005 Declaration, he had stated that “the collapse of the Soviet Union was a major geopolitical disaster”.
- There are not many takers for this view even inside Russia.
Stand of India
- India had decided to abstain on the vote on the United Nations Security Council Resolution which was moved by the United States and its allies against Russia over the Ukraine invasion.
- But India should surely recognize that BRICS, in its New Delhi Declaration, had resolved that the five BRICS nations were opposed to the unilateral use of force against any state, and wanted all disputes resolved by peaceful means, and categorically ruled out the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.
The BRICS Delhi resolution
- The New Delhi BRICS Declaration commits to resolving all disputes by peaceful means and is opposed to unilateral use of force against any state.
- Russia by invading Ukraine has violated that resolution to which India also was a prominent party.
- This declaration was in fact approved and signed by Russia.
- Russia, a founder-member of BRICS, has forgotten that resolution by Russia’s unilateral illegal violent military action against Ukraine.
- Today the invasion and aggression against Ukraine has in effect cremated the spirit of BRICS.
The path for New Delhi
Ambition of becoming a Vishwa Guru
- From this juncture onwards, India must take stock since the apparent goal of India becoming a “Vishwa Guru” is now, at best, a mirage.
- Since independence, India has failed to become one since it cannot be a reality in the present global dispensation.
- Instead, India needs friends and collaborators but without bowing before any country.
Suggest Russia
- One way for India to begin asserting itself is to suggest to Russia to withdraw its armed forces from the entire Ukraine in keeping with the aforenoted Delhi Resolution of BRICS.
- If Russia does not give weight to India’s suggestion, India should announce in the UN General Assembly, consideration of the U.S. proposed Draft Resolution.
- India would vote for it after the United Nations General Assembly adopts any reasonable amendments proposed.
Restructure QUAD
- India should also urge the United States to re-structure the objectives and the priorities of the Quad, outline a clear strategy to achieve the objectives, and mobilize the resources required.
- For India, China is a hostile nation directly, and in global competition.
- India is potentially capable of meeting this Chinese threat.
The potential strength of India
- The potential strength of India can become actual capability with a little help from the United States.
- As for Russia, its position in global affairs will depend on the outcome of the Ukraine invasion.
- At present Russia is falling behind its announced schedule.
- Ukraine has by its bravery caused delays in Russia’s schedule.
- With help from members of the United Nations, Ukraine can become the David against the Russian Goliath and become a free democratic nation again.
Conclusion
- While India needs to remind Russia that its actions violate the BRICS Delhi resolution, the UN can assist Ukraine.
Referred Sources
