Non-Aligned Movement Still Relevant?

True to its non-aligned credentials, India has sent a strong but silent statement to the world by hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin and at the same time categorically denouncing war. Such a stand by India has become absolutely necessary as the world is fast moving towards an uncertain future due to the whimsical approaches adopted by some powerful nations, who by hook or crock are willing to establish their hegemony over others. For instance, India is under pressure from the US along with the western countries to cut with Russia and join hands with them. On the other hand, Russia is willing to offer an olive branch to New Delhi if the country solidly backs Moscow’s misadventure in Ukraine. Bowing down before any blocks may have serious consequences as such a step can mark the end of India's non-aligned policy which the country has nourished since getting Independence in 1947. On many occasions, India had found itself being isolated during the crisis as big and powerful nations wanted the country to accept their hegemony first before coming to the rescue. Even humanitarian aid was not extended to India, knowing well that it was not self-sufficient in food production. As India didn’t succumb under pressure, many countries came forward to join the Non-aligned Movement (NAM), the most sensible thing to do during the cold war era as the non-aligned countries had virtually stood between war and peace.

Although NAM is not that strong today as it used to be in the previous century, due to the fall of erstwhile USSR, it goes to India's credit that it still upholds the policy adopted by the leaders who have contributed hugely in nation-building. While many question the significance of NAM in a unipolar world, India has not moved from its original position. The country could well avoid the 50 per cent tariff imposed by the US by cutting ties with Russia. But India has refused to oblige the US bosses and is still importing oil and other materials from that country. The west may interpret it as New Delhi’s support to Moscow who have waged war against Ukraine, but the fact remains that India has always maintained that it is in favour of peace and does not support the war. As a matter of fact, India’s unequivocal denouncement of war and at the same time preventing the western block to corner Russia for their own purposes have actually cemented the country’s position as a peace-loving country which puts global interest ahead of national interest.