Opinion | How the West’s sanctions on Russia are fuelling political and economic instability – and resentment – in South Asia

Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, exacerbated by rising food and fuel costs, has set alarm bells ringing across the region

Bangladesh has warned that sanctions are affecting imports of vital goods and materials, while India has been forced to rely more on Russia for its energy needs amid rising oil prices

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Published: 9:15am, 20 Jul 2022

The United States and its Nato allies have imposed wide-ranging sanctions against Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions were expected to cripple Russia’s war effort. However, they have yet to succeed in their desired objectives.

On the other hand, they are causing financial and political problems for poorer nations, including those in South Asia.

Sanctions are one of the most important tools of diplomacy in the modern world. They are imposed against countries seen as violating international rules and norms.

The utility of sanctions has long been debated. Critics argue that sanctions don’t affect the ruling elite in the targeted country but instead adversely affect ordinary citizens who have no role in decision-making and only suffer because of things done by their rulers.

Thus, sanctions can sometimes turn out to be misdirected and not produce the desired results. Instead, they end up creating ill will among the people of the targeted country.

The sanctions imposed against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine have received a mixed response. This case presents an awkward situation. The United Nations is unable to impose sanctions as Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council and would thus veto any such proposal.