The implications of India’s policy of non-involvement
India has always had a foreign policy of limited involvement and self-preservation – this has been the case with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis as well. It has not supported Russian acts of aggression but has always been a preacher of bilateral dialoguing.
Despite pressure from the West to take an aggressive stance against Russia, India has stuck by its strategic neutrality and non-alignment. India cannot ignore the fact that Russia has been their ally for several years and is in a dilemma when it comes to choosing between Ukraine and Russia. Hence it remains neutral.
The West call India an approver of Russia’s neo-colonialism. But how can the world expect India to cut ties with a country on whom its artillery, helicopter, aircraft carrier, gun, and tank supply is dependent? Moreover, India is concerned about its thousands of students and nationals, who reside near the Ukraine-Russia border, who could face the consequences of its support to the West.
The West blame Russia and Putin for inciting the conflict, whereas Putin blames NATO's eastward expansion. Nevertheless, India has requested all sides to step up diplomatic efforts and formulate a tangible solution, instead of playing games.
But despite the impact India can have by opposing Russia, India is far from blaming Russia's way of war. India’s hesitation in defending democracy and its refraining from voting at the UN not only undermines its relations with Western democracies but also with allies like Japan and Australia. India is vulnerable to the potential of China's military advancement and now – with its unreliable support to the West - risks facing isolation, as well as losing support and assistance from its usual supporters like the US.
India's reputation has fallen – being accused of being a large population with soft power – following its overturns in Afghanistan, Nepal, BRICS, Quad, and Iran, and now reaches a climax with the war in Ukraine. The effects India will face with its “neutrality”, will only be seen with time.