“The US president’s message appeared to be pointed, at least in part, at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Unlike other Quad countries and nearly every other US ally, India has not imposed sanctions or even condemned Russia, its biggest supplier of military hardware.”
This was, indeed, in expected lines, as Western Allies, more so US Pres. Biden often expressed their frustrations as India successfully navigated the complex geopolitical situation.
PM Modi often said that he and his govt. works for the interests of the 130 crores Indians only. By importing cheaper oil from Russia and maintaining good ties with Russia, one must agree that his govt. has successfully navigated a complex geopolitical challenge well so far.
The coming days may prove to be equally or more challenging. And may provide a huge opportunity for India. Missteps can be daunting too.
The difficult to read card is China. China has clearly failed so far in coming up with an alternate alliance. India’s role in such a potential alliance can make or break it.
With Russia fighting alone (ok, it was not necessary) against the mighty Western Alliance, so far got significantly humiliated. We need checks and balances for the Western Alliance in such a world. The US even refused to allow grain exports from Ukraine, even if the world faces increased hunger and unrest.
I’m not sure, but I fail to recall any other event in recent years where India steadfastly stood on its ground despite relentless US pressure to change her side.
Much depends on China. Russia has embraced China (and vice versa) in a more strategic manner than it did India. Joint patrol in East Asian skies this week as Quad was on proves that point.
One credit must be given to President Biden. He has united US Allies, probably not seen since the 2nd World War. Trump nearly destroyed that. Under Biden, the US rejoined the climate accord to win over European Allies.
A world with checks and balances is always better than a unipolar world. India can play a critical role in it.
On the downside, what if, what if China does not positively reciprocate to India? If tensions flare further and Russia chooses China over India without any neutrality, India may find itself even more isolated. The US explicitly suggested such a situation to threaten India to make India change sides to the US and against Russia in the Ukraine war.
But India, standing with PM Modi’s national interest mission on citizens’ common interests, stood firm.
There will be more rounds to this geopolitical game, and it will continue to evolve.
