India’s Approach to Communication with Kiev and Moscow: An Open Dialogue
In recent years, India’s interactions with both Ukraine and Russia have been under scrutiny due to their strained relationship with one another. However, unlike some countries that may choose to take a side in this tension, India has maintained an open and transparent communication with both Kiev and Moscow. In fact, the Indian government has made it clear that they have no intention of choosing sides and instead, are focused on maintaining strong and positive relationships with both countries.
India has had longstanding relations with both Ukraine and Russia, dating back to the Cold War era. In the post-Cold War world, India has strengthened its ties with both nations and has become an important partner for both countries. With a shared history of cooperation in areas such as defense, energy, and space technology, it is understandable why India values its relationships with both nations. Therefore, when tensions between Kiev and Moscow arose, India found itself in a delicate position.
In the past, India has faced similar situations where it had to navigate through diplomatic tensions between two countries. And time and again, India has proven its ability to maintain strong relationships with countries that have different viewpoints. This is because India believes in the principle of non-alignment and follows a foreign policy of balancing its relationships and maintaining neutrality.
It is this principle of non-alignment that guides India’s approach to communication with both Kiev and Moscow. In the wake of the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, many countries have taken a strong stance against Russia, imposing sanctions and severing ties. However, India has chosen a different path, one that is of engagement and dialogue.
Indian Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, has made it clear that despite the tensions between Kiev and Moscow, India does not see it as a zero-sum game. He reiterated that India values its relationship with Russia, an important strategic partner, and at the same time, it is open to expanding ties with Ukraine. This statement shows India’s commitment to maintaining healthy relationships with both countries, regardless of their differences.
Furthermore, India has made efforts to engage both countries in various forums and multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) group. This has provided opportunities for India to engage in discussions and negotiations with both Kiev and Moscow on various issues of mutual interest. For instance, India has held discussions with Ukraine on cooperation in the agriculture sector, while also signing a bilateral agreement with Russia for the peaceful uses of outer space.
Moreover, India has also welcomed high-level visits from both countries. In 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for an official visit, where the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen economic and cultural ties. Similarly, Indian leaders have also maintained regular contact with their Russian counterparts, with Prime Minister Modi making several trips to Russia in recent years.
These ongoing engagements and dialogues between India and both countries serve as a testament to India’s commitment to maintaining positive relationships with Kiev and Moscow. India believes that a strong and cooperative relationship with both countries is essential for regional and global peace and stability.
In addition, India’s approach to communication with both countries is also driven by its pragmatic policy of pursuing its national interests. With India’s growing economy and security concerns, it is imperative for the country to maintain cordial relationships with both nations to ensure its own strategic and economic interests are protected.
Furthermore, India’s stance of open and transparent communication has also been appreciated by both Kiev and Moscow. This is seen through India’s increasing trade and economic ties with both countries. India’s bilateral trade with Ukraine has more than tripled in the past decade, reaching over $2 billion in 2019. Similarly, India’s trade with Russia has also been steadily increasing, with both countries setting a target to reach a trade volume of $30 billion by 2025.
In conclusion, India’s approach to communication with Kiev and Moscow has been one of balancing its relationships with both countries and maintaining a positive and open dialogue. India’s non-alignment ideology, paired with its pursuit of national interests, has allowed the country to navigate through the tensions between these two nations successfully. India’s stance has not only helped in maintaining stability in the region but has also strengthened its relationships with both countries, paving the way for a prosperous future for all.
