NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ukraine, according to the Indian foreign ministry. Experts said that India is pursuing an ambiguous foreign policy. According to experts of international relations, the dual face of India was unmasked during Modi’s summit with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, when he received Russia’s highest award, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, and faced fierce criticism for the timing, coinciding with a Russian attack on a Kyiv children’s hospital.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed deep disappointment, while in India, the visit was praised as a demonstration of “strategic autonomy.” The tangible outcomes of the said visit were far reaching, with nine agreements signed focusing mainly on trade and investment promotion. A significant deal was the commitment to return 35 Indian citizens deceived into fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine.
The anticipated signing of the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) did not occur. RELOS would have facilitated logistical support for military operations and was expected to last five years with automatic renewal. Despite strong defense ties with Russia, India signed a similar agreement with the US in 2016 which was quite perplexing for international observers.
While apparently supporting Ukraine India boasts a long-standing partnership in nuclear energy with Russia. Together, they’ve built reactors at Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu (two operational), and are discussing building six more advanced units at a new site. This collaboration likely includes a long-term uranium supply pact for the existing plant.
India continues to purchase significant amounts of oil from Russia despite US reservations and has also acquired the S-400 missile system. Reports suggest India has even assisted Ukraine. India’s longstanding ties with Russia have provided reliable weapons, diplomatic support, and civilian nuclear technology.
In conclusion, Modi’s policy, seen by some as opportunistic, is unlikely to be effective. His visit to Ukraine will only be based on appeasing Europe and US while practically he is doing more than anyone in sorting long term relations with Russia raising questions about his foreign policy strategy.
