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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visits to Russia and Ukraine, particularly his trip to Ukraine, have generated considerable diplomatic intrigue and sparked debate about India's evolving role in global affairs. Beyond the immediate purpose of engaging with both sides of the conflict, Modi's visit carries several crucial messages regarding India's foreign policy, its approach to great power competition, and its aspirations for a more prominent international presence.
The article emphasizes that Modi's visit to Kyiv follows closely on the heels of his visit to Moscow, showcasing India's willingness to engage with both sides of the conflict. This balanced approach, while often criticized as 'non-alignment' or 'strategic autonomy,' allows India to maintain open lines of communication and influence with key players in the international system. The author argues that India's ability to engage both Russia and Ukraine is a product of this strategic balance, underscoring that adopting an 'either-or' strategy doesn't always yield the desired outcomes in international politics.
Furthermore, the timing of Modi's visit, amidst the stalemate in the Russia-Ukraine war, underscores India's potential as a mediator between the two warring nations. With the US preoccupied with domestic politics, the EU increasingly wary of the war's cost, and the Swiss peace summit failing to achieve a breakthrough, India's willingness to engage with both sides presents an opportunity for dialogue. While the article acknowledges that India's role might be modest, it emphasizes the potential for a middle power to 'punch above its weight' and play a significant role in shaping international outcomes.
Beyond its immediate implications for the Ukraine conflict, Modi's visit also reflects India's broader foreign policy objectives. The author highlights that India is balancing its relationship with a declining power (Russia) with its strategic partnerships with the European Union and the United States. This balancing act is particularly relevant in the context of Ukraine's increasing strategic importance for Europe and the US. However, the article emphasizes that Ukraine's relevance to India's grand strategy remains limited beyond its significance for Europe.
Modi's visit to Kyiv also carries a message for Moscow regarding its growing ties with China. The author suggests that India's engagement with both sides of the conflict serves as a reminder to Western nations about the complexities of their China policy. India's willingness to stand up for its own security interests even when Western powers are constrained by commercial interests with China, underscores the challenge of navigating a multipolar world where competing interests and alliances are constantly shifting.
Finally, Modi's visit underscores India's broader ambition for a global role. The author highlights India's historical desire to occupy a place at the high table of international politics, a position that has remained elusive. India's engagement in multilateral platforms like the Quad and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, with contrasting memberships, allows it to create a niche space for itself beyond the traditional frameworks of the post-war world order. In this context, the article suggests that India's potential reputational gains from engaging in conflict resolution efforts outweigh those from any other conflict, further solidifying its position as a key player in the international system.