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India has refrained from directly blaming Russia – for what Moscow calls a special military operation – while urging the neighbours to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. read more
 "India rules out mediation in conflict, to act as diplomatic messenger")
Representational Image- FP
In his first trip to the war-torn country since its conflict with Russia and about a month after he met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine August 23 this month.
However, government officials confirmed that India would not indulge in mediation talks between Ukraine and Russia but would convey messages between the two countries instead, according to a report by the Hindustan Times.
The foreign ministry said details of the trip will be shared later in the day.
Watch Also: Is India looking to become Peacemaker in the Ukraine War? | Vantage with Palki Sharma
Western capitals have imposed sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but friendly nations such as India and China have continued to trade with it.
The US has raised concerns over India’s relationship with Russia, especially when Washington seeks to strengthen ties with New Delhi as a potential counterweight to an ascendant China.
New Delhi seeks to deepen its relationship with the West while keeping ties intact with old friend Russia.
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict reaches its one-year mark, India has maintained its neutral stance, a position that holds significant influence due to its size and power. Unlike other nations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, India’s strategic ambivalence allows it to balance relationships with both Russia and the West.
Experts predict that India will continue this approach, resisting pressure from the US to directly oppose Moscow while advocating for peace and cooperation based on shared interests.
During a visit to India in March, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba acknowledged India’s crucial role in promoting peace in Ukraine, stating that India’s involvement could encourage other nations from the Global South to join the effort. Kuleba emphasised the importance of India’s participation in finding a diplomatic solution to the war, suggesting that its presence would make other nations feel more comfortable joining the initiative.
Throughout the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India abstained from voting in support of several resolutions aimed at condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, both at the United Nations General Assembly and at the United Nations Security Council. Russia termed India’s position “balanced and independent”.
Following the invasion, India doubled down on buying large amounts of Russian oil at a discounted price and continued placing orders for Russian-made weapons. This made Russia the third largest oil supplier to India in 2022. From April 2022 to January 2023, India’s Russian imports rose by 384 per cent, mainly driven by increased imports of Russian oil. Kyiv requested the US to impose sanctions on India and China if they continue buying oil from Russia.
Despite all these, the Indian government has been providing significant non-violent and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including essential medicines, medical equipment, and school buses, emphasising its de-hyphenated policy. Meanwhile, India had strongly raised objections against the transfer of Pakistani-manufactured arms and ammunition to Ukraine.
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English (US) ·