Opinion | India should wean itself off Russian influence and claim its rightful place in US camp

Amid rising global tensions, India should abandon its stance of perceived neutrality and formally acknowledge its foreign policy tilt towards the US

But first, New Delhi and Washington must address the kinks in their relationship, in defence, trade and other areas

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden pose for a photo at the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, on November 15, 2022. Photo: Pool via AFP

Published: 1:30am, 7 Apr 2023Updated: 4:43am, 7 Apr 2023

Tensions over the Ukraine war divided the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in early March. As a result, the gathering not only failed to agree on a joint declaration at the end, it was held back from meeting its broader objectives on issues of collective concern, such as food and energy security.

As the war intensifies, the ramifications will be felt by all – including India, the G20 chair this year, as it continues to walk a diplomatic tightrope between Russia and the United States.

However, if India wishes to be a responsible stakeholder within the international community and not a hesitant fence-sitter, it should slowly extricate itself from Russian influence and play a nuanced role in the resolution of the crisis, while formally acknowledging its foreign policy tilt towards the US.

This shift can, however, only take place once the contradictions that mark the India-US relationship are addressed, so that New Delhi can eschew its perceived neutrality on the war and chart a new foreign policy course.

Traditionally, India’s foreign policy outlook has focused on the principles of non-alignment and strategic autonomy. However, the vulnerabilities created due to wars with Pakistan and China, and India’s mistrust of the West, pushed it towards the Soviets.

The relationship acquired a formidable security lens in 1971 with the signing of the Indo-Soviet Treaty that ensconced India within the Soviet camp. Consistent support for India over the Kashmir issue at the United Nations and the sale of Russian arms and ammunition also cemented ties.