Can India emerge as a peace broker in the Ukrainian crisis?

• In what came as a morse end to Pax Americana, the Russian President announced a military operation in Ukraine. Putin termed it as a de-militarization and de-genocidal operation at the request of separatist regions of Ukraine

• Joe Biden responded to the invasion by stating it as “an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces” and said the “world will hold Russia accountable"

• India has been walking a tightrope by balancing both sides and keeping its national interests supreme

• India is one of the few countries that haven’t criticised Russia’s decision of sending troops across the Ukraine border.

• At the UN emergency meeting, India only mentioned the escalation of tension between the two European nations and called on all parties to exercise “utmost restraint”.

• Notably, Putin thanked India for its Independent position as a mark of its special and privileged partnership. Modi had hosted Putin in December 2021 during the India-Russia summit. Both signed key defence manufacturing pacts and discussed the delivery of S-400 Surface to the air missile system

• India is the largest importer of Russian arms. Hence New Delhi is moving a tightrope and acting with patience. Ukrainian ambassador to India has requested PM Modi to intervene and speak to Putin. It is quite possible that India could emerge as a peace broker given the fact that it has until now remained independent. New Delhi has set up a 24/7 Ukraine control room.

• Several EU nations have imposed sanctions and stated that these will be the harshest sanctions ever imposed, completely isolating Russia.