Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1993. Modi’s arrival in Kyiv on Friday, following his visit to Russia, is being perceived as a strategic balancing act between Putin and Zelenskyy by the Indian government.
A Diplomatic Balancing Act
Modi’s visit to Ukraine, coming right after his two-day tour of Russia, underscores India’s delicate balancing act between the two warring nations. India has maintained that its relationships with both Russia and Ukraine are independent and substantive, and are not influenced by the dynamics between the two former Soviet republics.
“This is not a zero-sum game,” said Tanmaya Lal, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasizing that India’s ties with Russia and Ukraine stand on their own merit. Lal pointed out that Modi has engaged with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy multiple times over the past year.
India’s Stand on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, India has consistently advocated for a resolution through dialogue, while refraining from directly condemning Russia’s actions. During the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in Uzbekistan in September 2022, Modi made it clear to Putin that “this is not the era of war.” He reiterated India’s stance on peace and diplomacy, a message he echoed during his July 2023 visit to Russia.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal in June 2023, Modi clarified that India is not neutral in the conflict but stands firmly on the side of peace. He dismissed the criticism that India should take a stronger stance against Russia, particularly in the US, stating, “I don’t think this type of perception is widespread in the US.”
Humanitarian Aid and Diplomacy
India has also extended humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, having sent multiple consignments of essential supplies, including medicines, medical equipment, and power generators. According to Lal, India has delivered over 135 tonnes of aid to Ukraine, and further initiatives are under consideration.
Throughout the conflict, Modi has engaged in several telephonic conversations with both Putin and Zelenskyy, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. India has not responded publicly to Ukraine’s criticisms of its continued engagement with Russia, choosing instead to maintain a focus on diplomatic solutions.
Economic and Strategic Interests
India’s relationship with Russia is also deeply tied to its strategic and economic interests, particularly in the energy sector. As Western sanctions hit Russia, the country began selling oil at discounted rates, which India, a major importer of oil, seized as an opportunity. India has since become one of the top buyers of Russian oil, surpassing China in recent months.
India’s dependence on Russia extends beyond oil, with the two countries sharing a long-standing strategic partnership, particularly in defense. Russia remains India’s primary defense supplier, and India relies heavily on Russian services for the maintenance of its defense equipment.
Modi’s Visits: A Diplomatic Tightrope
Modi’s visit to Moscow in July, followed by his trip to Ukraine, highlights India’s complex diplomatic maneuvering. With missiles flying over Ukraine, Modi’s visit to Kyiv is significant, as it marks a rare visit by a non-ally leader to the war-torn country.
Meanwhile, India has managed to maintain a delicate balance on the global stage, hosting key summits like the SCO and G-20, where the participation of leaders like Putin has been a matter of speculation. Modi’s diplomatic efforts continue to reflect India’s nuanced approach to the ongoing conflict, striving to maintain relations with both Russia and Ukraine, Putin and Zelenskyy while advocating for peace.