India's Strategic Neutrality in Ukraine War Sparks Sovereignty Paradox, US Trade Tensions
India has maintained a stance of strategic neutrality since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, abstaining from nearly every international resolution condemning the action. This approach has led to a complex interplay of economic interests and diplomatic responses.
India's Prime Minister Modi has publicly expressed his disapproval of the conflict, stating 'today's era is not of war' to President Putin in September 2022. However, India has opted for strategic neutrality, prioritising its economic interests over moral principle. This is evident in its mixed record on condemning violations of sovereignty, selectively applying it based on its broader economic interests.
India's neutrality has had practical implications. Before the invasion, India imported a negligible 0.2% of its crude oil from Russia. However, by 2024, Russia had become India's largest oil supplier, accounting for over 40% of imports. This shift has not gone unnoticed by the international community, particularly the US. In 2024, the US imposed sanctions on an Indian firm trading Russian crude oil. Furthermore, the US has escalated trade tensions by imposing 50% import tariffs on Indian goods and threatening to double these tariffs to 100% in 2025. Despite these sanctions, India has defended its energy choices as a matter of sovereign right.
India's stance on Ukraine reveals a sovereignty paradox. While it respects the sanctity of territorial integrity, it has chosen strategic neutrality over moral principle in this instance. This was evident in its vote in favour of a UN Security Council resolution permitting President Zelenskyy to participate virtually in August 2022, a move seen as a pragmatic response to the situation.
India's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been marked by strategic neutrality, prioritising economic interests over moral principle. This approach has led to a sovereignty paradox and escalating trade tensions with the US. Despite these challenges, India remains committed to its energy choices, viewing them as a matter of sovereign right.
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