Current affairs

Will India be a gamechanger in Russia-Ukraine conflict? PM Modi speaks to Vladimir Putin!

By alagu, 25 February, 2022
Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin, Russia, Ukraine

As the world is watching the grim developments from the ongoing Russian invasion into Ukraine that has been termed as the biggest attack on a European state since the second World War, India has caught significant attention by posing to be a possible gamechanger in resolving the conflict. While India aims to convince Putin to pursue diplomatic efforts, the United States is on the other hand conducting talks with India. 

On Thursday night when Russian forces intensified their attack on Ukraine, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a crucial call, Modi has appealed to Putin for an immediate cessation of violence. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said PM Modi has called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue.

The statement further read, "He (Modi) has reiterated his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO group can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue." The Prime Minister also discussed India's concerns regarding the safety of Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students. "The leaders agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would continue to maintain regular contacts on the issues of topical interest", the statement added. 

President Putin had briefed PM Modi about the recent developments regarding Ukraine. It must be noted that it was the first apparent phone call with a foreign leader for Putin since he ordered a military operation in Ukraine. The phone call has come hours after PM Modi's high-level discussion and after the appeal from the Ukrainian envoy for India's intervention. PM Modi had on Thursday evening held a meeting with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which was attended by top ministers including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. 

After the meeting, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, "At the CCS meeting, PM Modi has stated that the topmost priority of the government is the safety and security of Indian nationals including students in Ukraine." India's position in the conflict had been a watcher. However, following the call directly with Putin, New Delhi signals its aim of not taking part in the war but defusing it. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had also spoken with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and he will be holding talks with the Ukraine Foreign Minister on Friday. 

On Thursday evening, Ukraine's envoy to India has appealed to PM Modi to talk to the Russian President. Ambassador Igor Polikha has sought India's urgent intervention. Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, Polikha has on Thursday said, "India is a very influential global player. We are asking for a strong voice of India. By highlighting that the situation may get out of control, Polikha said Modi is one of the most powerful and respected world leaders. "You have a privileged, strategic relationship with Russia. If Modi Ji speaks to Putin, we are hopeful he will respond", Polikha added. 

He further said, "India should be much more actively engaged, given the privileged relation India has with Russia. Not just for our safety, but of your own citizen's safety too, we need the intervention of India." "Putin has launched a full-blown attack. They must stop Putin now. It is a case of blatant aggression..the Russian statement is cynical. They are not just attacking military installations but we have suffered civilian casualties", Polikha added. 

On the other hand, the United States, which has been pressing India to condemn Russia for its military assault on Ukraine, has got a strong signal from Delhi that it prefers not to oppose Kremlin but to bring Putin to the diplomatic table. Asked if India was in sync with the US on the issue, US President Joe Biden said, "We are in consultations (with India) today, we haven't resolved that yet."

Earlier, Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and French President Emmanuel Macron had staunchly condemned Russia for invading Ukraine while Moscow has got full and apparent support from Beijing. Taking to Twitter, Joe Biden said, "I spoke with the G7 leaders today, and we are in full agreement: We will limit Russia’s ability to be part of the global economy. We will stunt their ability to finance and grow Russia’s military. We will impair their ability to compete in a high-tech, 21st-century economy." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "To our Ukrainian friends in this moment of agony, we are with you and we are on your side. Your right to choose your own destiny is a right that the United Kingdom and our allies will always defend." 

 

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