What India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict means for its EU connections
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It has been about two weeks since Russia launched its assault on Ukraine, killing hundreds and displacing over 2 million people.
In addition to causing a humanitarian disaster and sending shockwaves throughout the world, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine have focused attention on the nation’s foreign policy.
While some nations, like as Germany, have entirely switched their defence and energy policies to chastise Russia and defend Europe’s borders, others, such as India, have maintained a somewhat restrained approach toward old friend Russia.
However, with the assassination of one Indian student in Ukraine’s Kharkiv city and hundreds more Indian students still awaiting evacuation, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is under pressure to denounce Russia’s conduct.
P Chidambaram, an Indian member from the opposition Congress party, tweeted last week, “The Government of India should cease its rhetorical balancing act and forcefully urge that Russia stop bombing important cities in Ukraine immediately”. French President Emmanuel Macron met with Modi on the subject as well. France presently has the EU Council chair, and a proactive Macron has held regular conversations with EU leaders and world leaders to de-escalate the problem.
