On Sunday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the significance of achieving a “just and enduring peace” for Ukraine during a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. This discussion occurs amidst reports of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi planning a visit to Ukraine in August, marking his first visit since the Russian invasion in February 2022. This visit would follow his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, which has drawn disappointment from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
While Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, countries with friendly ties to Moscow, such as India and China, have maintained their trade relations. Blinken emphasized the importance of peace in Ukraine consistent with the UN Charter during his conversation with Jaishankar, as stated by the US State Department. However, neither Blinken nor Jaishankar explicitly mentioned Ukraine in their social media posts following the meeting.
India has taken a neutral stance, refraining from directly criticizing Russia over the invasion and advocating for resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. Despite pressure from Western countries to distance itself from Moscow, India cites its longstanding ties and economic necessities as reasons for its position.
The US has been working to strengthen its relationship with India, viewing it as a counterbalance to China’s rising influence. However, the State Department has expressed concerns regarding India’s continued ties with Russia, particularly in light of Modi’s recent visit to Moscow.
Modi’s potential visit to Ukraine and the discussions between Blinken and Jaishankar underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics and the delicate balancing act India faces in maintaining its relationships with both Russia and the West.
