War in Ukraine
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India's diplomatic dance over Ukraine

India’s failure to condemn Russian aggression in Ukraine at all costs reflects its longstanding relations with Moscow. But as the war enters a more brutal phase, it’s a price that might be too high to pay

The leader of the world’s largest democracy is having a hard time uttering the word that has dominated headlines and diplomatic discourse for nearly a month. "Ukraine" has topped multilateral and bilateral agendas since Russia launched its invasion last month, but Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears determined to avoid the subject at all costs.  

At a virtual summit between the leaders of Australia and India on Monday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison opened the meeting with a reference to "the very distressing backdrop of the war in Europe" and "Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine".

 

The Philippines favored a resolution to reprimand Russia from invading Ukraine in a historic vote of 141-5 during the United Nation’s (UN) General Assembly on March 3, 2022. pic.twitter.com/uJ9yTmkE6w

— The Bicol Universitarian (@bicolunibe) March 3, 2022

 

Modi’s remarks, in sharp contrast, skipped the elephant in the room, meandering through trade, technology, stolen artefacts and cricket. But India’s allies are noting Modi’s studied Ukraine-war omission along with New Delhi’s persistent failure to criticise Russian aggression – and have concluded that it’s just not cricket. 

Over the past few weeks, India has abstained five times from condemning the invasion at the UN, including a UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution demanding an independent inquiry on Russian violations in Ukraine.  

© France24 2022

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