Ukraine crisis opens new opportunities to Indian diplomacy to shape a new road map

Ukraine crisis opens new opportunities to Indian diplomacy to shape a new road map

The Government of India's standpoint to 'abstain' at the UNSC stems from the fact and is with merits that - India has been in touch with all sides, urging parties (read Russia and the US chiefly) to return to the negotiating table.

 

History has labelled a failed revolution as rebellion. Whether this applies to the story of the Russian' invasion' of Ukraine or not would be best answered in times to come. 

Contemporary analysts and future historians would differ on the origin of the Ukraine crisis.

"The situation in Ukraine is the result of a complex chain of circumstances over the last thirty years. Most countries, such as India and France, which are very active, are seeking a diplomatic solution," said India's suave diplomat-turned-foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar around Feb 22-23, shortly before Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troop movement into Ukraine. He also said in an interview to a French newspaper 'Le Figaro' during his Paris visit that: "The real question is: are you mobilised to find a good solution or are you content with posturing?" 
Jaishankar was asked why India did not condemn Russian troops' concentration on the Ukrainian borders. Now the world is beyond that stage. Even in subsequent deliberations, India treaded an independent path. Moscow has officially registered its appreciation of New Delhi's standpoint. 
India certainly stands between two sides - the US and Russia. The US is a friend and a democratic partner in the Quad, whose alliance it cares to counter China. To New Delhi, irrespective of political affiliation, Russia is not only an old friend but a foremost defence supplier.
Indo-Russia ties are amongst the steadiest of the major relationships in the world after the Second World War. In a more recent sense, Russia is a crucial partner for India in the regional scene, especially in the context of RIC and BRICS multi-nation fora and what has happened in and around Afghanistan since August 2021.

The conflict over Ukraine is perhaps derived from post-Soviet politics, the expansion of NATO, the dynamics between Russia and Europe, and Russia and the West broadly. Now the world is staring at the biggest security threat to Europe since 1945. 

The US and most western countries are anguished at Moscow and do not mind confrontational statements. India has nuanced its statements carefully using words like "de-escalation," and "diplomatic dialogue".

India has avoided taking names or calling out Russia. "Dialogue is the only answer to settle differences and disputes," New Delhi has been insisting lately.

The Government of India's standpoint now to 'abstain' at the UNSC stems from the fact, and is with merits that - India has been in touch with all sides, urging parties (read Russia and the US chiefly) to return to the negotiating table.

"By abstaining, India retained the option of reaching out to relevant sides in an effort to bridge the gap and find the middle ground with an aim to foster dialogue and diplomacy," is one explanation from an MEA source.

India certainly wants to maintain a friendship with its partners in the Quad. It needs allies like France and, of course, the US, but it also needs Russia's friendship.
The decision to stick to the India-Russia military deal has remained on track on the backdrop of the new US administration under Joe Biden deciding to continue with the Donald Trump-era policy of imposing Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) on Russia or any other country that would buy armaments from some listed countries.
But if a case is made that India should have been with the US and the other 'democracies' as against Putin's 'rogue regime', it is also a fact even the reverse story cannot be ignored. For obvious reasons, these democracies, especially Washington, also need India.

When it comes to argument, New Delhi's foreign policy engine room can explain it properly and put up a case on why the western world has been so meek against Putin for years now.

Putin's trouble making geopolitics did not start with Ukraine. There was a case about Alexander Litvinenko. Russia also had invaded Georgia, abetted Syrian war crimes, annexed Crimea and even allegedly subverted America's elections. 

There was Libya, and simply put, the western politicians and businesses have known for years what kind of man Putin is. 

"Yet many pretended otherwise, or looked away, or took his money, as have far-right parties in France and Italy. They pretended he was normal," points out Simon Tisdall, a foreign affairs commentator and 'US editor' for 'The Guardian' newspaper.

Can they work together ?

So, all these concerns about democracy cannot suddenly happen today. On the contrary, this global crisis has provided a neo-opportunity to Indian diplomacy to shape a new road map for itself - where it will highlight its own vision and not side either democracy of the American school or the strong and steady leadership of Russia.
In the words of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, India has to play a role in the "importance of a strong collective response to Russian aggression".

"Russia's attack on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is a clear violation of the rules-based international order," he has tried to woo New Delhi. US President Joe Biden has said the US is in consultation with India over New Delhi's stance on the Ukraine issue. 

According to French President Emmanuel Macron, the Ukraine crisis is a turning point in European history, so India should also use the window of opportunity to make it at least a semi-turning point in Asian history. 

China need not matter so much as of now.

"India will send humanitarian aid to Ukraine" 

New Delhi

In a major decision the Indian government has decided to depute four ministers including Gen V K Singh, a former army chief, to countries neighbouring UKraine to ensure effective and faster evacuation of stranded Indians in the war-hit nation.

Gen V K Singh, who had earlier played a major role in rescue operations of about 4,000 Indians stranded in Yemen, will be going to Poland, MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi told reporters at a special briefing.

 

He also said India will send humanitarian assistance including medicines to war-torn Ukraine.

Four Union ministers will be traveling as special envoys to the countries bordering Ukraine to coordinate the evacuation of Indian citizens.

“Union Ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia will be going to Romania, Kiren Rijiju to the Slovak Republic and Hardeep Puri will go to Hungary," Bagchi said.

According to MEA, an estimated 8,000 Indian nationals have left Ukraine since the country issued the first advisory. 

“The evacuation efforts are on...Situation on the ground continues to be complex and fluid, some of them quite concerning, but we have been able to accelerate our evacuation process,” Bagchi said.

Till Monday afternoon, six flights have arrived carrying around 1,400 Indian citizens from Ukraine 

since Russia launched its military operation. 

Four flights have arrived from Bucharest (Romania) and two flights from Budapest (Hungary).

With the Ukrainian airspace being closed for civilian aircraft, India is evacuating its citizens through 

its neighbouring countries.

“We request Indians to go to West Ukraine, but don't reach the border directly as there's a rush there. 

It'll take time. Go to nearby cities, seek shelter there. We are making arrangements. Our teams will 

help you. Don't panic, we have enough flights,” Bagchi assured. 

Blogger 

The Russian attack on Ukraine began four days ago. Ukraine crisis opens new opportunities to Indian diplomacy to shape a new road map India started issuing advisories in mid-February itself asking Indians to consider leaving Ukraine after tensions increased between Moscow and Kyiv.

ends 

Delhi Angamis celebrate Sekrenyi with tradition, fervour ::::: BJP dumps ally in Mizoram, demands President's Rule in Zoramthanga-ruled state

New Delhi

The green lawns of Nagaland House at the APJ Abdul Kalam came alive on Sunday rejoicing the Naga tradition and Angami wrestling, music and food.

The Angami Krotho Delhi celebrated the Sekrenyi Festival at the Nagaland House premises on Sunday.

The Angami traditional wrestling- Kene - was the major attraction.

The function was attended among others by Hibu Tamang, Joint Commissioner of Police. He is in charge of Delhi police special cell for northeastern people living in Delhi and NCR.

In his speech, Mr Tamang urged the Naga youths residing in Delhi to be responsible in their conduct.

He said northeast region would need them and their potentials for various top posts in Delhi in days to come.

He said the Spring is the season of festival for northeast people and in various states in the northeast are celebrating the post harvest festivals across the region since October.

He said the youths should reflect upon their rich tradition. It will be also relevant for the youths to focus on career and that can be ensured also by preparing themselves effectively by following the guidance of their parents.

"It is time to have a Guru...that Guru can be your father or mother or an elder brother," he said and urged the youths to be transparent to their parents and near and dear ones always and develop an habit of sharing all their problems with near and dear ones.

Eminent body builder Kenelilelie Surunuo was also felicitated on the occasion.

Wrestler Vijalie Suokhrie won the Rs 10,000 cash money by defeating his own brother Khrielie Suokhrie.

BJP dumps ally in Mizoram, demands President's Rule in Zoramthanga-ruled state

New Delhi/Aizawl 

Stating that the Mizoram unit of the BJP has been deeply concerned about the fast-deteriorating administration in the state under MNF leadership due to utter lack of concern for the welfare of the people, the saffron has demanded imposition of President's Rule in the state.

Mizoram BJP has requested the state governor Hari Babu Kambhampati to invoke Article 356(1) of the Indian Constitution to take over State administration, alleging that the present Mizo National Front (MNF) government has failed the people in many fronts.

"....deeming it our public duty to reveal the burgeoning maladministration in this State and take corrective steps in the larger interest of public as also to help stop wanton waste of huge amount of fund granted by the Government of India," the party  said in a memorandum. 

The BJP also asked the Governor "to direct the Government of India to set up a probe into all these criminal activities and punish those involved, big or small in the interest of development of Mizoram and its people."

Ukraine Prez agrees to start peace talks with Russia to end crisis

The European Union's chief executive says the 27-nation bloc will close its airspace to Russian airlines, fund supplies of weapons to Ukraine and ban some pro-Kremlin media outlets.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday that "for the first time ever", the European Union will finance the purchase and delivery of weapons and other equipment to a country that is under attack. 

Von der Leyen added that the EU will also target with sanctions Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, for supporting Russia's widespread military campaign in Ukraine. AP

New Delhi

Russian president Vlaimir Putin has reportedly placed nuclear deterrence forces on high alert even as Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to start peace talks with Russia.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Kyiv said on Sunday there were no Russian troops in the Ukrainian capital.

The breakthrough to kick start peace talks came following a phone call between Ukrainian president and Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko

“We agreed that the Ukrainian delegation would meet with the Russian delegation without preconditions 

on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, near the Pripyat River,” Zelenskyy said in a statement.

Ukraine government sources said the talks would be held without preconditions. 

The parleys would be the first to take place since Russia invaded Ukraine. 

Reports said, President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian nuclear deterrent forces put on 

high alert amid tensions with the West.

The chief of the military’s General Staff has been asked to put the nuclear deterrent forces in 

a “special regime of combat duty”. 

His order raised the threat of the Nuke weapons being used perhaps for the first time.

The Ukrainian forces are putting up strong resistance. The Russian attempt to seize Kharkiv has been stalled. This came after fierce fighting was reported from Ukraine’s second-largest city.

Putin actions on Ukraine pushes his line 'countries' born out of split of Soviet Union were hazy and not legitimate

RIC: Ukraine crisis and three power centres-The Kaleidoscope

India will have to play its cards well. Democracy is its strength, and at times it stands different and way ahead of both Russia and China. In all these, there is a need for tightrope walking. The Modi government is doing that well so far.

 

New Delhi: In the contemporary world, without a doubt, three countries do matter - Russia, India and China. India is the world's largest democracy and has been a steadfast friend of the United States in two decades. 

Two others are authoritarian regimes, but Russia has been a trusted friend of India and a major defence supplier and strategic partner.

Russia has acted now on the Ukraine front. There are a few important questions that need to be answered and analysed. 

The latest developments suggest the US and the West are getting 'weakened' by the day. China and Russia as two countries - separately and at times as strategic partners - will demonstrate great power status on the world stage. 

This would appear as a counterbalance to the dominance of the US. But there are other geopolitical issues as well.

There is still an apprehension in Beijing that the Russian military adventurism could damage China economically to some extent. However, China also views the Ukraine situation as a timely distraction that will draw the US from the Indo-Pacific region.

All these years, India has cultivated itself as a key strategic partner of the Americans in more ways than one. From the Indo-Pacific to the groundbreaking Nuke deal, both have remained as friends.

Even after the Ukraine attack by the Russian army, US President Joe Biden said he wants India to play a crucial role in defusing the crisis.

India's relations with the US surged, encompassing trade and investment. Of course, the burgeoning defence relationship with the US met India's objective of diversifying military acquisitions away from a near-total dependence on Russia. 

In the meantime, China has emerged as a challenger to the global pre-eminence of the US.

Former US Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice had written in her book elaborating how the Americans valued friendship and strategic partnership with a 'democratic India' in Asia. 

Despite being communist regimes, China and Russia have their own issues. History does serve as a good lesson for the Chinese Communist party: Nikita Khrushchev withdrew all assistance to support China's nascent industrial development because Beijing refused to become a junior partner of Moscow in political and military terms in the 1950s. 

The Sino-Soviet split of the 1950s and 60s took place in a very different world, but its spectre remains alive - says an article in 'The Guardian'. 

But Russia-India-China engagement has a global significance. India is in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which is driven by Russia and China. The presence of Pakistan and Central Asian countries makes SCO a vital international platform.

Iran, which had an Observer status, formally was admitted into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Sept 17, 2021, at Dushanbe in Tajikistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first who greeted Tehran's full membership, a fact widely acknowledged in the Iranian media as well. 

The full SCO membership in the pattern given to India and Pakistan in 2017 would henceforth give Iran the key opportunity to take a major step in regional cooperation. 

There used to be a debate earlier on growing Chinese influence. Until a few years ago, Russia handled the politico-security issues in the region, and China exerted economic prowess. But things were changing as Beijing became more assertive.

But now Putin's 'Ukraine adventurism' has got it back as a commanding force at the military stage. Putin has made use of its strength - the military prowess. 

Likewise, India will now have to play its cards well. 

Democracy is its strength, and at times it stands different and way ahead of both Russia and China. In all these, there is a need for tightrope walking. The Modi government is doing that well so far.

China has issues with Americans. For Putin, his antagonism with the US is far more fundamental. He holds the US responsible for the fall of the Soviet Union and perhaps forgets that there were so-called 'autonomous tendencies' of various Soviet republics.

But India cannot ignore the US, and neither can the Americans. Hence, from Donald Trump and Antony Blinken (Secretary of State under Joe Biden), no American leader would also antagonise India.

In July 2021, Biden's Secretary of State, Blinken, said in Delhi - "The most remarkable democratic election in the world, in many ways, is here in India .....Americans admire Indians' commitment to rights, democracy and pluralism. Indian democracy is powered by its free-thinking citizens." 

Of course, the BJP leaders and the Indian government could not have it better! The much-planned propaganda against Prime Minister Narendra Modi had fallen flat. 

But it was also a moment of triumph for Indo-US friendship. 

Jaishankar and Blinken: New bond in Indo-US ties

Putin actions on Ukraine pushes his line 'countries' born out of split of Soviet Union were hazy and not legitimate

Russian President Vladimir Putin argued that Ukraine was not a proper country, implying that of the states born out of the collapsed Soviet Union, only one was real and legitimate: Russia. 

All the rest were confections, whose right to exist was hazy. 

Vladimir Putin has claimed Moscow had to invade, to save eastern Ukraine’s Russian speakers from a genocidal threat that did not exist. He would rescue Ukraine from rule by “neo-Nazis”, an odd way to describe a country whose president and former prime minister are both Jews, both democrats.

But underneath the spurious defences lay the Putin worldview. His objection was not, as Putin’s western apologists on the far right and far left would have it, merely to Nato expansion, but something rather more fundamental. - The Guardian 

Amnesia of the West:

"Putin had hardly kept his worldview secret until now. On the contrary, he had acted on it at least three times in the past 15 years, each time paying little price. He seized a chunk of Georgia in 2008 and of Ukraine in 2014, to say nothing of his decision to adopt the Assad regime’s murderous war against the Syrian people as his own a year later. 

We may have forgotten about all that – the Russian dissident Garry Kasparov laments the “amnesia of the west” – but Putin had not." 

"He noted the western shrug that greeted his annexation of Crimea: how, just four years later, Russia was cheerfully hosting the football World Cup. " 

- Jonathan Freedland is a 'Guardian columnist'. His books include seven thrillers written under the pseudonym Sam Bourne. Twitter @freedland

"Now, we're a stupid country", Russian news agency Sputnik quotes Trump :::: Modi says India willing to contribute for peace in Ukraine

Calling Vladimir Putin "smart", Donald Trump says the NATO countries "are not so smart, they are looking the opposite of smart."

Trump said that the world was a peaceful place because America was strong.

Americans preferred to 'inherit' the meek: Dumped Trump

Stressing that Russia "respected" America under his administration, he called current President Joe Biden "weak and grossly incompetent", which has led to the current situation in Ukraine.

Washington was perceived as "powerful, cunning, and smart" back then, but "now, we're a stupid country", Russian news agency Sputnik quoted Trump as saying.

The former US president said that US' pathetic withdrawal from Afghanistan led Russian President Vladimir Putin to decide on the special military operations in Ukraine.

"The problem is not that Putin is smart, which of course he is smart, but the real problem is that our leaders are dumb," the news agency quoted Trump. The former US President was quoted having stated that anti-Russia sanctions are weak since Moscow has survived such measures imposed previously.

"Putin is playing Biden like a drum," he said, adding this would not have happened had he been the President, since it would have been easy for him "to stop this travesty."

"The world hasn't been this chaotic since World War II. I stand as the only President of the 21st century on whose watch Russia did not invade another country," Sputnik quoted Trump as saying.

Notably, Putin on Monday recognized Ukraine's breakaway regions - Donetsk and Luhansk - as independent entities. Later, he ordered special military operations "to protect" the people in the Donbas region.

Operation Ganga: First batch of Indian evacuees from Ukraine land in Mumbai

New Delhi

"Welcome back.

First step of Operation Ganga," tweeted External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankaras 219 stranded students arrived at Mumbai airport in a special Air India flight from Ukraine on Saturday evening.

"Since the beginning of this crisis, our main objective was to bring back each and every Indian stranded in Ukraine. 219 students have arrived here. This was the first batch, the second will reach Delhi soon. We'll not stop until all of them are back home," :Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

An Air India Flight attendant too was enthusiastic.

"We are very happy to bring our students back home. The students were filled with joy once we landed here in Mumbai," she said. 

"Thanks to the Government of India for giving us this opportunity," the attendant maintained.

One medical student who returned along with others expressed his gratitude stating,"I had trust upon the Indian government that they will definitely bring us back to our country. There was some fear and panic, but we are very happy to be back in India".

Speaking to the students on their arrival, Piyush Goyal said, "I urge all of you to be strong, give yourstrength to all of your friends who are still left behind but will be brought back soon".

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to Ukrainian and Russian leaderships and from bothsides there have been assurances that safe passage of Indians will not be hindered.

ends 

PM Modi says India willing to contribute in any way for peace in Ukraine 

New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed India’s willingness to contribute in any manner towards peace efforts and to defuse the Ekraine crisis.

Modi gave this assurance to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during tele talks.

"President Zelenskyy briefed the Prime Minister in detail about the ongoing conflict situation in Ukraine," a PMO statement said. 

The Prime Minister expressed his "deep anguish about the loss of life and property" due to the ongoing conflict. 

"He reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue, and expressed India’s willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts," the statement said.

The Prime Minister also conveyed India’s deep concern for the safety and security of Indian citizens, 

including students, present in Ukraine.  

He sought facilitation by Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and safely evacuate Indian citizens, the release said.

Ukraine's envoy to India Igor Polikha has said PM Modi is among the very few leaders whom Russian 

President Vladimir Putin listens to and so the Indian government should use proximity with Moscow 

to bring the situation in Ukraine under control.

All these typically underline India's importance in the global context.

US President Joe Biden has indicated that it wants New Delhi under Modi to play a part 

in defusing the ongoing conflict.

PM Modi has already spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin and with him too, he underlined

the need for comprehensive steps to end the violence.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar too held phone conversations with his Russian counterpart 

Sergey Lavrov and also Ukranian foreign minister and underlined that dialogue and diplomacy are the 

best way forward to deal with the crisis.

 

Meanwhile, Russia on Saturday applauded India's stand at the UNSC during voting on the Ukraine

crisis.

"Highly appreciate India’s independent and balanced position at the voting in the UNSC on February 25, 2022.

In the spirit of the special and privileged strategic partnership Russia is committed to maintain close dialogue 

with India on the situation around Ukraine," said a tweet from Russian embassy in India. 

Crucially from global perspective, both China and India abstained.

"....No solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives", India's Permanent Representative  to the UN, T S Tirumurti said at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine on late Friday night (Saturday wee hours).

ends 

 

(Europe was meant to have left such events behind.’ The aftermath of an apparent Russian strike in Mariupol, Ukraine, 24 February. Photograph: Evgeniy Maloletka/AP - The Guardian) 

At UN Security Council, India and China abstain from the UNSC condemning the invasion of Ukraine

India abstains : Helpless US says, "Russia, you can't veto Ukrainian people"

New Delhi

"Let me make one thing clear," US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said after the UNSC vote that was vetoed by Russia. 

She said, "Russia, you can veto this resolution, but you cannot veto our voices, you cannot veto the truth, you cannot veto our principles, you cannot veto the Ukrainian people."

Of course the UNSC resolution was always doomed to fail because of Moscow's veto power as a permanent member of the council.

But the debate showed some clarity, it gave an opportunity for US and allies to condemn Russian President VladimirPutin's actions against Ukraine.

Crucially in the Asian context, both China and India abstained from voting.

UAE also abstained.

"....No solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives", India's Permanent Representaive to the UN, TS Tirumurti said at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine. 

"India is deeply disturbed by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine. We urge that all efforts are made for immediate cessation of violence and hostilities".  

The draft of the Resolution "deplores in the strongest terms" the country's "aggression" against Ukraine and demands the immediate withdrawal of its troops. But it was vetoed by Moscow.

“One of the major reasons why India doesn’t want to jeopardise its ties with Moscow is that it sees Russia as a guarantor of multipolarity. India favours a world order where multiple powers balance each other out,” Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia programme and senior associate for south Asia at the Wilson Center, hasbeen quoted in a section of media.  

Eleven of the council's 15 members voted for the motion, which was co-written by the United States and Albania. 

Russia, which currently holds the rotating Security Council presidency, is likely to face another vote on a similar resolution before the wider UN General Assembly.

However, the UN General Assembly resolution, easy to pass, is non-binding.

"Make no mistake, Russia is isolated. It has no support for the invasion of Ukraine," said Britain's ambassador to the UN, Barbara Woodward.

T S Tirumurti also said, "It is a matter of regret that the path of diplomacy was given up. We must return to it. For all these reasons, India has chosen to abstain on this resolution". 

"All member states need to honour these principles in finding a constructive way forward. Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment" 

China's representative said the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states should be respected and that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be upheld. 

"...Security of one country cannot come at the cost of undermining the security of other nations".

ends  

"....No solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives": India's Per. Rep. to #UN, TS #Tirumurti at #UNSC meeting on #Ukraine. 

"India deeply disturbed by recent turn of developments in Ukraine. We urge that all efforts r made for immediate cessation of violence & hostilities".  

“One of the major reasons why India doesn’t want to jeopardise its ties with Moscow is that it sees Russia as a guarantor of multipolarity. India favours a world order where multiple powers balance each other out,” Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia programme at the Wilson Center, has been quoted in a section of media.  

All member states need to honour these principles in finding a constructive way forward. Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences & disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment:  T S Tirumurti at UNSC 

It is a matter of regret that the path of diplomacy was given up. We must return to it. For all these reasons, India has chosen to abstain on this resolution:  India's Permanent Rep to UN, TS Tirumurti at UNSC meeting on Ukraine

US will defend every inch of NATO territory. Our commitment to Article 5 is ironclad. I have ordered the deployment of additional forces to augment our capabilities in Europe to support our NATO allies, reads the statement of President Joe Biden on the NATO Summit 

...Security of one country cannot come at the cost of undermining the security of other nations...China abstained in the vote...Ukraine should become a bridge between East & West: China's permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun 

"We believe that the sovereignty & territorial integrity of all states should be respected and that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be upheld," says China 

US slaps sanctions on Putin and Russian FM Lavrov

New Delhi

The US administration and the White House slapped sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin and  Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as part of Washington efforts to ramp up pressure on Moscow following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The rare but not unprecedented US move to impose sanctions on a head of state would come close

on the heels after Russian forces invaded Ukraine.

This is being billed as the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War-II. 

Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry has reacted strongly to such moves.

The imposition of sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reflect the West's "absolute impotence" when it comes to foreign policy, a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova 

said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also announced similar punitive measures.

The United States has in the past imposed sanctions on heads of state, including on Venezuela's 

Nicolas Maduro and Bashar al-Assad of Syria.

The United States also imposed sanctions on Russia's two biggest banks, among others, and members of  the elite. 

Evacuation of Indians from Ukraine :: Cost completely borne by Govt of India

New Delhi 

Under supervision of senior officials and smooth coordination at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi, various foreign missions have swung into action helping evacuation of Indians from war-hit UKraine.

According to an official source, the Government of India is organizing evacuation flights for Indians in Ukraine. 

"Cost will be completely borne by the Govt of India for this evacuation".

"We have set up three teams for exit out of western Ukraine, including one in Lviv. Poland government is 

dong a lot to provide easy transit into Poland to stranded people of all nationalities," said Indian envoy to 

Poland, Nagma Mallick.

The MEA Camp Offices are now operational in Lviv and Chernivtsi towns in western Ukraine. 

Additional Russian speaking officials are being sent to these Camp Offices, sources said in Delhi.

Officials there are assisting Indian citizens who reach these cities, and will facilitate their departure from 

Ukraine through adjoining border crossings.

"First batch of Indian students have left Chernivtsi for the Ukraine/ Romania border as well," a source said.

The Ministry of External Affairs and the Centre are working out evacuation plans also in coordination

with Hungarian authorities. The students have been advised to remain in touch with student contractors

for orderly movement.

"In this difficult situation, the Embassy of India, Ukraine requests Indians to continue to remain strong, safe

and alert," an official statement said.

Teams have started working at Chop-Zahony Hungarian border near Uzhhorod and Porubne-Siret Romanian border

near Chernivtsi.

"The first batch of evacuees from Ukraine reach Romania via the Suceava border crossing.

Our team at Suceava will now facilitate travel to Bucharest for their onward journey to India,"

MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi tweeted along with video footage.

ends 

  

The 'China angle' in Kremlin-inspired crisis in UKraine and also globally

Important questions those need to assessed.

Latest developments suggest, the US and the west are getting 'weakened' by the day.

China and Russia as two countries - separately and at times as strategic partners - will demonstrate great power status on the world stage.

This would appear as a counterbalance the dominance of the US . But there are other geo-political issues as well. 

There is still an apprehension in Beijing that the Russian military adventurism could damage China economically to some extent. 

However, China views the Ukraine situation as a timely distraction that will draw the US away from the Indo-Pacific region. 

As Russia’s biggest trade partner, China has significant investments and financial ties with Russia that will be exposed to the west’s sanctions. Such sanctions most certainly come with an acute pain for many fossil fuel-focused state-owned enterprises.  

Beijing also had good ties with Ukraine and Kyiv is a top trade partner.

China has enjoyed friendly ties with Ukraine, which is a source of grain and military equipment.

However, Beijing will have to consider the balance sheet for this current alignment carefully. If the cost of alignment comes at a far greater price than the actual benefit, Beijing must reach its own conclusion and tread carefully.

Beijing hoped that Russia would offer full diplomatic support to its various global initiatives under a plethora of UN-led platforms, in the context of competition with the US. But Moscow’s current move has made China’s wishes more problematic. Russia’s recklessness serves as a spur for China to rethink its return on its alignment with the Kremlin, and it may wish to minimise the risks associated with Russia’s fraught relations with the west. China may well prepare a discreet course correction to soften its harsh diplomatic rhetoric, and a pathway of less hostile ties with the west to demonstrate its maturity in dealing with a major world crisis.

History does serve as a good lesson for the Chinese Communist party: Nikita Khrushchev withdrew all assistance to support China’s nascent industrial development because Beijing refused to become a junior partner of Moscow in political and military terms in the 1950s. The Sino-Soviet split of the 1950s and 60s took place in a very different world, but its spectre remains alive - 'The Guardian' article 

Nonetheless, Beijing will measure its reaction to Ukraine through the lens of US-China competition. 

To this end, the Ukraine crisis provides two unexpected opportunities for President Xi. 

Foreign ministers of Ukraine, Russia hold tele talks with Jaishankar : Putin ready to send Team for talks with Ukraine

 New Delhi : 

The crucial vote at the UN Security Council on the Russian attack on Ukraine in mind and international discourse, Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Friday spoke to External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and shared his assessment of the current situation. 

Jaishankar too held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and underlined that dialogue and diplomacy are the best way forward to deal with the crisis.

PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin also held tele talks on Thursday evening. 

In talks with counterpart from Ukraine, Jaishankar said he emphasised that India supports diplomacy and dialogue as the “way out”.

“Received call from Ukrainian FM @DmytroKuleba. He shared his assessment of the current situation.I emphasised that India supports diplomacy & dialogue as the way out,” Jaishankar tweeted.

“Discussed predicament of Indian nationals, including students. Appreciate his support for their safe return,” he added.

The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on Friday evening on a draft resolution on Russia’s military operation in Ukraine as well as the escalating situation in the eastern European country.

The draft resolution is set to condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s military operation in Ukraine that has triggered strong outrage by the Western powers.

When asked at a media briefing on Thursday about India’s position on the draft UN Security resolution on the Ukraine crisis, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India has seen it and that New Delhi’s stand will depend on the final shape of its text.

“I am told that that would undergo considerable changes. We will wait to see the shape that the resolution takes before we can pronounce ourselves and the position that we will take on the issue,” he said.

In the midst of the escalating situation in Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with President Vladimir Putin on Thursday during which he appealed for ending violence, and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic dialogue.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy has confirmed multiple reports of Russian missile strikes in a national address early on Friday. 

Loud explosions were heard in Kyiv in the early hours of Friday morning. 

Two multi-story residential buildings were seen on fire in south-east Kyiv after they were reportedly hit by falling debris from an aircraft that was shot down. 

Photos published by Ukraine’s state emergency services department show a multi-story building burning.

The Ukrainian interior ministry said it shot down a Russian aircraft over Kyiv. Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine’s interior minister, said the Russian aircraft was hit by the Ukrainian air force and fell in the Darnitsky district.

Russian forces were within kilometres of reaching Kyiv, according to US officials. 

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin told lawmakers that Russian mechanised forces that entered Ukraine from Belarus were about 20 miles (32km) from Kyiv. 

(Moscow Times reported...)

President Vladimir Putin is ready to send a delegation to Minsk for talks with Ukraine, the Kremlin said Friday as its military encircled Kyiv on the second day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The negotiations could put an end to Ukraine’s NATO ambitions after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he was willing to discuss Ukraine’s “neutrality” — a demand of Putin's — in his latest attempt to appeal to the Russian leader to negotiate. The Kremlin said it took note of Zelenskiy’s offer.

China’s foreign ministry also said that Putin told Chinese leader Xi Jinping by phone that “Russia is ready for high-level talks with Ukraine.”

China is not happy with the manner Russia acted in Ukraine. 

"China’s stance crystallises two elements: first, it does not support the Kremlin’s move against Ukraine, and views Moscow’s actions as a violation of national sovereignty and the UN charter – one of the cardinal principles of Beijing’s foreign policies since 1949. 

Second, and most important, China strongly implies there is no comparison between Ukraine and Taiwan – the former is a sovereign state and the latter is not a full UN member but a unique polity, seen as a renegade province by Beijing." - an article in 'The Guardian'.

Biden says US consulting India to resolve Ukraine crisis :: Foreign policy engine room swings into action, MEA talks to several FMs

New Delhi

United States President Joe Biden has said that Washington was in “consultations” with India on the issue of Ukraine but indicated that the differences have not  been fully resolved between the two countries.

Responding to a question on whether India, a major US defence partner, was in sync with the US position on the issue, Biden told a press conference “We are in consultations with India today. We have not resolved that completely.”

Also asked if he was urging China to play a role in isolating Russia, Biden said he was not prepared to 

comment on that for the moment.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar received a call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

on Thursday evening.

"Appreciate the call from @SecBlinken. Discussed the ongoing developments in Ukraine and its

implications," Dr Jaishankar tweeted.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

"Mr Modi reiterated his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO group 

can only be resolved through "honest and sincere dialogue", a PMO statement said.

The statement said, "President Putin briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the recent developments 

regarding Ukraine".

Russia has welcomed the "independent position" India has taken in the UN Security Council 

twice already on Ukraine and which was expressed openly by the Indian external affairs minister and other officials.

Russian Deputy Chief of Mission, Roman Babushkin, said earlier this week, India has been playing 

a vital role as a responsible global power and it takes an “independent and balanced” approach to world affairs.

He also said the crisis would not impact India-Russia ties, including in areas of defence, and that there will

be a “huge” Russian participation in the DefExpo in Gujarat next month.

Biden has of course tried to frame the conflict as a battle between autocracy and democracy.

He slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to invade Ukraine and announced 

“devastating” sanctions against Russia. 

Other major western countries also announced sanctions against Russia.

ends 

Snubbed during China trip, now Imran on visit to Russia

New Delhi 

Imran Khan has become the first Pakistani prime minister to visit Russia in 23 years.

Imran Khan is that breed of politicians who seldom learn anything from past experiences and mistakes. There are fewer 'corrective steps' in their logic and actions and yet there will be some admirers always.

There are a few Indian versions of netas of that variety certainly.

Imran had rushed to China during Winter Olympics to establish and strengthen 'iron brother' friendship with Beijing.

Instead there was a sort of snub. Even Pakistani observers say there was a real "chilly reception" 

accorded to onetime cricket hero in Beijing.

He was received by Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Jianghao and this certainly

was "degrees below the protocol extended to his predecessors", says Pakistani author and expert

F.S. Aijazuddin.

Now, the Pak PM has decided to make a trip to Moscow.

Of course, the "timing of this visit is fraught with implications" and the Ukraine crisis is at its peak.

"....Russia has confronted the US and NATO over Ukraine. The PM, before leaving for Moscow, tried to 

allay the suspicions of our ‘with us or against us?’ Western allies by insisting that we are not part of any bloc. 

Seventy-five years of alignment belies this assertion. We do belong to a bloc — of debtor nations whose 

economies are governed by US dictates," said Aijazuddin in a newspaper article.

This trip to Russia is as if on the "rebo­u­­­­­nd" after China flip-flop.

This is the same Putin who 10 years ago "cancelled his own trip to Islam­abad citing the insecurity" caused by 

Imran's party PTI’s container dharnas. 

In a rather sarcastic remark, the article says - Imran is like "like other leaders whenever wobbly at home 

(eg Nixon/ de Gaulle/ Thatcher), believes that he has a higher role to play on the international stage".

Little does the Pakistan Prime Minister realise that in the comity of nations, his country's position has made

a nosedive and even US President Joe Biden is yet to speak to him over phone.

Meanwhile, experts caution that any 'escalation' in the Ukraine-Russia crisis can also impact 

Pakistan’s food security.

Ukraine has emerged as a major market for wheat import for Pakistan. 

In 2020-21, Pakistan imported nearly 1.2 million tonnes of wheat from Ukraine.

It is being argued in certain quarters that Imran, who has been itching for a long time to travel to 

Russia to shore up Pakistan’s weakening geopolitical position in relation to India and refurbish 

his domestic credentials as a global leader, is unlikely to complain about Russia’s new offensive against Ukraine.

That, too, is part of a shift in Islamabad's standpoint. 

In recent years, there has been growing warmth between Pakistan and Ukraine, which Islamabad 

has courted as a counterweight to New Delhi’s traditional ties with Moscow. 

At the same time, Pakistan wants to develop a more productive engagement with Russia. 

One reason is Russia with all its regional and global clout is a 'much bigger' strategic prize for Pakistan 

than Ukraine. 

But India-Russia bond has been reestablished in recent times in more ways than one. 

 

ends 

Indian foreign policy engine room swings into actions, Jaishankar talks to several FMs

New Delhi 

Just as the crisis engulfed the world community after Russia's actions against Ukraine, the Indian foreign policy engine room swung into action and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar spoke to several of his counterparts. 

Among others, Dr Jaishankar received a call from EU High Representative

Josep Borrell Fontelles. 

.

They discussed the "grave situation in Ukraine and how India could contribute to de-escalation efforts".

The External Affairs Minister held telephonic discussions with UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

He also spoke to foreign minister of Slovak Ivan Korkok.

"Discussed the situation in Ukraine. Appreciate his willingness to facilitate the evacuation of Indian 

nationals through Slovakia," Dr Jaishankar tweeted. 

The Minister also spoke to FM Péter Szijjártó of Hungary.

"He has promised full cooperation to facilitate evacuation from Debrecen. Thank him for his 

understanding," Jaishankar wrote in the micro blogging site.

FM Bogdan Aurescu of Romania also assured help on evacuating Indian nationals from Ukraine.

The Ministry of External Affairs is working with Romanian authorities to ensure "border crossing expeditiously".

Importantly, he also received a call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"Appreciate the call from @SecBlinken. Discussed the ongoing developments in Ukraine and its 

implications," he tweeted.

At the multiple levels, works and discussions are on to ensure safe evacuation of Indians from the war-hit

Ukraine.

A Team from the Embassy of India in Hungary has been dispatched to the border post Zohanyi to 

coordinate and provide assistance to facilitate the exit of Indians from Ukraine. 

"Mission is working with the Govt of Hungary to provide all possible assistance," an official statement says.

Sources said a large number of Indian students in Ukraine turned up outside the Indian Embassy in 

Kyiv.

"Naturally, not all could be accommodated inside the Embassy premises.Accordingly, the Embassy 

organized safe premises nearby and the students were moved there. This process took some time 

given the ground situation in Kyiv," the source told 'Organiser'.

"No Indian national is currently stranded outside the Embassy. As fresh students arrive, 

they are being moved to the safe premises. The Embassy is continuing to assist Indian nationals, 

including students, in Ukraine," the source said.

The Indian government announced that it is closely monitoring the situation and urgent "contingency 

plans" are being put into operation.

"Additional Russian speaking officials have been sent to our Embassy in Ukraine and are being 

deployed in countries neighbouring Ukraine," the source maintained.

ends 

 

Snubbed during China trip, now Imran on visit to Russia

 
New Delhi 

Imran Khan has become the first Pakistani prime minister to visit Russia in 23 years.  

Imran Khan is that breed of politicians who seldom learn anything from past experiences and mistakes. There are fewer 'corrective steps' in their logic and actions and yet there will be
some admirers always.    

There are a few Indian versions of netas of that variety certainly.
Imran had rushed to China during Winter Olympics to establish and strengthen 'iron brother' friendship with Beijing.
Instead there was a sort of snub. Even Pakistani observers say there was a real "chilly reception" 
accorded to onetime cricket hero in Beijing.
He was received by Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Jianghao and this certainly
was "degrees below the protocol extended to his predecessors", says Pakistani author and expert
F.S. Aijazuddin.
Now, the Pak PM has decided to make a trip to Moscow.
Of course, the "timing of this visit is fraught with implications" and the Ukraine crisis is at its peak.
"....Russia has confronted the US and NATO over Ukraine. The PM, before leaving for Moscow, tried to 
allay the suspicions of our ‘with us or against us?’ Western allies by insisting that we are not part of any bloc. 
Seventy-five years of alignment belies this assertion. We do belong to a bloc — of debtor nations whose 
economies are governed by US dictates," said Aijazuddin in a newspaper article.
This trip to Russia is as if on the "rebo­u­­­­­nd" after China flip-flop.
This is the same Putin who 10 years ago "cancelled his own trip to Islam­abad citing the insecurity" caused by 
Imran's party PTI’s container dharnas. 
In a rather sarcastic remark, the article says - Imran is like "like other leaders whenever wobbly at home 
(eg Nixon/ de Gaulle/ Thatcher), believes that he has a higher role to play on the international stage".
Little does the Pakistan Prime Minister realise that in the comity of nations, his country's position has made
a nosedive and even US President Joe Biden is yet to speak to him over phone.
Meanwhile, experts caution that any 'escalation' in the Ukraine-Russia crisis can also impact 
Pakistan’s food security.
Ukraine has emerged as a major market for wheat import for Pakistan. 
In 2020-21, Pakistan imported nearly 1.2 million tonnes of wheat from Ukraine.
It is being argued in certain quarters that Imran, who has been itching for a long time to travel to 
Russia to shore up Pakistan’s weakening geopolitical position in relation to India and refurbish 
his domestic credentials as a global leader, is unlikely to complain about Russia’s new offensive against Ukraine.
That, too, is part of a shift in Islamabad's standpoint. 
In recent years, there has been growing warmth between Pakistan and Ukraine, which Islamabad 
has courted as a counterweight to New Delhi’s traditional ties with Moscow. 
At the same time, Pakistan wants to develop a more productive engagement with Russia. 
One reason is Russia with all its regional and global clout is a 'much bigger' strategic prize for Pakistan 
than Ukraine. 
But India-Russia bond has been reestablished in recent times in more ways than one. 
 
ends 

x