Ukraine War: Modi’s Plea to Putin – A Closer Look
What did Modi say?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been urged by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a close ally, to end Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
"Every day spent in war pushes humanity back, and every step taken towards peace fills humanity with new hope and enthusiasm," Modi said on Monday.
Modi, whose country’s economy depends heavily on discounted oil from Moscow, has made several similar pleas to Putin since he launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Behind the Plea:
BBC correspondents explore the motivations behind Modi’s renewed appeal for peace and Putin’s potential response:
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India’s Neutral Stance: Delhi has largely maintained a neutral stance on the war, advocating for dialogue to end it. This hasn’t pleased Western countries pushing for a clearer position from India.
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Strategic Autonomy: Modi’s comments align with India’s policy of strategic autonomy, avoiding alignment with any single power bloc.
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Long-standing Russia-India Ties: Moscow remains a key ally despite India’s growing ties with Europe and the US. Delhi is a founding member of Brics and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and a member of the Quad with Australia, Japan, and the US (a point of strain for Moscow).
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Energy Dependence: Russia supplies around 40% of India’s defence imports and is a steady supplier of energy needs.
Western Perspective & Critics:
Western capitals and Modi’s domestic critics may feel he should have been more critical of the war. However, analysts suggest Modi’s statement will not cause a rift in Moscow-Delhi relations.
In summary: While Modi’s plea is not new, it reflects India’s complex relationship with both Russia and its Western partners in the context of the Ukraine conflict.
