Russia’s War in Ukraine: India’s Balancing Act
New Delhi’s refusal to condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine complicates its foreign policy maneuvering. How India positions itself in an increasingly polarized competition for global dominance will become more important. It will continue to leverage conflicting partnerships to secure its own rise, argues Boas Lieberherr in this CSS Analysis.
India has become the US’ counterweight of choice against China and an indispensable partner in European Indo-Pacific strategies. Against the backdrop of an increasingly assertive and ambitious China, India’s relations with the West have witnessed a remarkable strategic convergence over the last decade. In Europe and the US, this has led to the misperception that India is now aligned with the West. However, India has so far abstained on all UN votes condemning Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and has not joined the multilateral sanctions regime against Moscow. This has raised questions about its reliability as a strategic partner for the West.