India's relationship with Ukraine
1. What is the historical context of India's relationship with Ukraine?
India established diplomatic relations with Ukraine in 1992 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. During the Cold War, India had a close relationship with the Soviet Union, which extended to Russia after the USSR's fall but did not initially encompass Ukraine. The recent visit by Prime Minister Modi to Kyiv marks a significant departure from this historical stance, as it represents the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since the establishment of their bilateral relations.
2. How has the Russia-Ukraine conflict affected India-Ukraine relations?
The Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022 has significantly impacted India-Ukraine relations, particularly in the realm of trade. Trade volumes plummeted from $3.39 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22 to around $0.78 billion and $0.71 billion in the following two fiscal years. Despite this, high-level engagements have continued, suggesting a strategic recalibration in India's approach towards Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
3. What opportunities does Modi's visit to Ukraine present for India?
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kyiv is seen as an opportunity to enhance bilateral relations and explore new areas of cooperation, such as defense industrial collaboration and agricultural partnerships, particularly in the context of Ukraine's role as a major agrarian power. The post-war reconstruction in Ukraine also presents various opportunities for India, including economic and infrastructural projects.
4. Could Modi’s visit to Ukraine impact India’s relations with Russia?
There is no direct implication that Modi’s visit to Ukraine would adversely affect India-Russia relations. India maintains a robust relationship with Russia, characterized by significant economic and military cooperation. India's engagement with Ukraine is viewed as an independent component of its foreign policy, not as a move against Russia.
5. What are India's current foreign policy priorities in Europe?
Under Prime Minister Modi, India has shifted its foreign policy to engage more actively with Europe, moving beyond the traditional focus on the big four (Russia, Germany, France, and Britain). The visits to Ukraine and Poland are indicative of India’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with central and eastern European countries, aligning with its goal of being a 'Vishwabandhu' or a global friend.
6. How does India's foreign policy today differ from its past Non-Alignment policy?
India's historical Non-Alignment policy aimed at maintaining equal distance from all major powers. However, under Modi’s leadership, the policy has evolved to maintaining close ties with all countries, reflecting a more proactive and pragmatic approach to international relations. This shift aims to enhance India's global standing and its ability to navigate complex global dynamics.
7. What role does India hope to play in the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
India has expressed a willingness to support dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. By engaging with both Ukraine and Russia, India positions itself as a potential peacemaker, ready to offer support for conflict resolution efforts.
8. How has the international community reacted to Modi's visit to Ukraine?
The international reactions to Modi's visit have been mixed, with some viewing it as a strategic realignment, while others see it as a continuation of India’s independent foreign policy stance. The visit has been framed within the broader context of India's diplomatic efforts to assert its role on the global stage, particularly in managing its relationships with major powers like Russia and the United States.
By Ojaank Sir