India’s independent foreign policy is now under tremendous pressure as both the United States of America (US) and Russia are desperately trying to get New Delhi on their side over the Ukraine issue. This is why India has already earned the wrath of US President Joe Biden, who has stated that the south Asian country has been ‘somewhat shaky’ against Russia. On the other hand, Russia too, is unhappy with India for abstaining from voting on a proposal on Ukraine drafted by Moscow. Considering the situation, many in the diplomatic circles have expressed the opinion that New Delhi may have to pay a big price for antagonising two superpowers at the same time. Some have expressed the view that being an advocate of non-violence and peace, India should have taken a bigger role in ending the conflict rather than witnessing the turmoil whilst sitting on the fence. On its part, the Indian Government has reiterated that it will not support any blocks as that will send a wrong message to the world regarding India.
Notwithstanding the criticism from various quarters, India has been remaining neutral in the present crisis as New Delhi’s support could have tilted the balance in favour of any of the two warring sides, considering the clout that the country holds presently. It may be mentioned here that since Independence, India has always maintained equal distance from the two superpowers, though ideologically the country has been closer to Russia as socialism was the common goal for both countries. But a capitalist country like the US could not take the mutual proximity between India and Russia in true spirit and began to help Pakistan militarily to corner New Delhi. Even during the Bangladesh Liberation War, Washington supported Islamabad ignoring the voices of crores of Bangladeshis against the atrocities committed by Pakistan. But the distance between New Delhi and Washington reduced to a great extent after the fall of the erstwhile USSR and opening up of the economy in India.
Since then, the US has come closer to India, providing a boost to the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Indo-US relationship reached a new high when the nuclear deal was signed between the two countries. During that time, an impression was created that New Delhi might be favouring Washington over Moscow. But the apprehension was unfounded as India signed a pact on military cooperation with Russia for ten years on the golden jubilee year of the historic Indo-Soviet peace agreement, providing ample evidence that the country has not distanced itself from its old-trusted friend. India is continuing to do the same this time also by not siding with the western powers. Similarly, India has made its disapproval clear about Russian invasion in Ukraine by not supporting Moscow’s draft proposal in United Nations Security Council (UNSC). By doing so, India has sent a clear message against war and has re-established its belief in favour of peace and harmony. But as the big brothers are unhappy, it’s a testing time for India’s foreign policy.