The recent 2+2 dialogue in Washington followed by multiple interactions of Foreign Minister S Jaishankar showcased the presence of a confident India on a multipolar global stage. Since the commencement of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, India has adopted a neutral line, seeking an end to hostilities, and insisting that dialogue is the only solution. It deplored the Bucha killings, demanded an independent probe and refused to blame Russia. The world criticised Russia, while India maintained silence.
India has steadfastly stuck to its national interests and historical belief in neutrality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commented, that today, the world has witnessed the emergence of such an India, which stands firm to safeguard its interests without any fear or pressure. Nations attempted to push India to change its stance, but India refused. The US sought to bully India by sending a flurry of officials prior to the 2+2 dialogue, only to be politely sent back with a negative response.
The conveying of India’s independent foreign policy, ability to counter US bullying and give it back in the same coin was done by none other than Mr Jaishankar and that too on American turf. In response to a question on the procurement of Russian oil by a journalist at a press conference, Jaishankar stated, I would suggest that your attention should be focused on Europe. We do buy some energy which is necessary for our energy security, but I suspect looking at the figures, probably our total purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon. It closed the discussion on India’s oil procurement. The US accepted that Indian procurement of oil from Russia would continue.
India had always been threatened by CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act), a unilateral decision by the US Congress, on its procurement of the S 400 missile systems from Russia as also other arms deals. Under this act, nations procuring military equipment from Russia could be sanctioned. India had been warned about it. When questioned on this by journalists, Jaishankar retorted, it is their law, and they have to decide on it. Jaishankar implied that no nation can dictate to India what it must do for its own security or from whom it should pro- cure. India is aware that sanctions would hurt the US more than they would impact India.
During the joint press conference, US secretary of state, Anthony Blinken, was questioned on Indian human rights. He stated that Washington was monitoring some recent developments including a rise in human rights abuses by some government, police, and prison officials. It was ignored for the moment by Indian officials present. Possibly, Jaishankar did not intend to embarrass his host.
A day later addressing a press conference at the Indian embassy, Jaishankar stated, I would tell you that we also take our views on other people’s human rights situation, including that of the United States. We take up human rights issues when they arise in this country, especially when they pertain to our community. He was referring to the attack on two Sikhs in New York a day earlier. There are few countries that have shown a mirror as bluntly as India to the US, that too on their soil.
India has announced that it can- not be pushed. Jaishankar conveyed the message that a strategic partnership is a two-way street and lectures on democracy, human rights and freedom are unwelcome to India. India-US relations are vastly different from US-China or US-Russia ties.
India is an ally, not a competitor. As an equal partner in major forums and global bodies, India demands to be treated as such. Its current power and ability to influence global events earn it that right.
Jaishankar sent a final message in his joint press interaction alongside Blinken, we watch what happens in the world, as any country does, and we draw our conclusions and make our assessments. We have a decent sense of what is in our interest and know-how to protect it and advance it. In a multipolar world, India has earned its rightful place and should be accorded that respect. Like all nations, India places its own national interests foremost.
India was the only country that enforced a ceasefire in Ukraine to enable the evacuation of its citizens. Indian students were escorted by Ukrainian troops through a corridor established by Russia. This was no mean feat. It flowed from multiple conversations between PM Modi and his counterparts in Ukraine and Russia. Currently, India would be providing the globe with grains as supplies from Ukraine and Russia are no longer available.
The US and Europe accused India of not criticising Russia. They believe that in case India does so, it could be blackmailed for the provision of spares by Russia. This is only partially true. Neutrality has historically been the Indian approach, while China adopts a shifting sands strategy or exploits situations for its benefit. In case global pressure builds on China, it may dump Russia. It currently refuses to term the Russian action in Ukraine as an invasion.
India was neutral during the US invasion of Iraq, the Russian invasion of Afghanistan, US and NATOs ill-conceived bombings of Libya or Yugoslavia or even the Russian takeover of Crimea. While the world criticised the US for its hasty retreat from Afghanistan, India maintained silence, despite having invested over $3 billion in Afghanistan. When its own allies accused the US of going back on the Iran nuclear deal, India maintained distance and adhered to demands of reducing its oil dependency on Iran.
With President Joe Biden and European leaders continuing their warmongering and supply of weapons to Ukraine, there is a requirement for nations with global outreach to talk of sanity and peace. Russia will never be subdued by sanctions, nor will it relent till its demands are met. The West has no intention of joining the war. Ultimately, while the West watches on, Ukrainians lose the lives of its citizens and the nation gets battered. India, as a major influencer in a multipolar world, must move to promote peace and dialogue.