close

Behind the 'Russia tilt'

Unpacking India's 'national interest', more than a year after the invasion

Mihir S Sharma
russia, russia-india, india, export
Premium

More than a year has passed since the armies of the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and in this period the Indian government’s apparent determination to remain neutral in the conflict only seems to have intensified. In fact, if anything “neutrality” is a code for “leaning towards Moscow” — since, for example, senior Russian ministers are regularly feted in New Delhi, but similar interactions with Ukraine are, to put it mildly, rare.
There are many reasons that could be given for this choice — and indeed, are given at tedious length and risible self-righteousness by people from government-friendly spokesmen to Sovietophile nostalgists of a certain age. Here are some:
  • It isn’t our business, so why bother taking a position?
  • What did the Ukrainians ever do for us anyway?
  • Where was the West when Indian soldiers died on the Chinese border a few ye
Or
Disclaimer: These are personal views of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of www-business-standard-com-nalsar.knimbus.com or the Business Standard newspaper

Also Read

India-US Trade Policy Forum to boost bilateral trade and investment

Top headlines: Modi, Scholz discuss ties; Ant Group to pare stake in Paytm

China trying to revive ties with the US via the Wall Street route: Report

India, Russia to work on developing hypersonic version of BrahMos: Report

The $60 price cap on Russian oil may not hit Indian purchases: Report

Dealing with the diaspora

A monster from the past

A presidency in peril

Lessons from a year of war

India's reputation will survive Hindenburg

Debt fund growth option: A smart choice for retirees

Irdai's recent reforms will help expand the market

The HR ailment of public sector banks

China oils a West Asian deal

Atiq, Ansari, Naroda

First Published: Apr 23 2023 | 10:18 PM IST

Explore News

To read the full story, subscribe to BS Premium now, at just Rs 249/ month.

Key stories on business-standard.com are available only to BS Premium subscribers. Already a BS Premium subscriber?LOGIN NOW

Register to read more on Business-Standard.com