Context
Russia-Ukraine Conflict has brought the South Asian Nations to a Geopolitical crossroads where countries have taken a stand based on their economy, relations with both sides and understanding.
Relevance
GS-II: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
GS-II: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
Dimensions of the Article
- India : Neutrality
- Sri Lanka: Recovery Affected
- Pakistan: Pro Russian
- Nepal: Against Russia
- Maldives: Against Russia
- Bangladesh: Remembering 1971
- Afghanistan: Against Russia
- Bhutan: Russia
India: Neutrality
- India has abstained from voting in all UN Resolutions against Russia.
- Russia has long been India’s defense partner and supplier of arms.
- Though India has also sent aid and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
- India has followed the policy of Non-Alignment and has largely remained neutral to the conflict and has urged de-escalation. Though its neutrality is being viewed as support to Russia.
- However, sanctions imposed on Russia can cause issues with its defense deals with Russia and Oil Shock can lead to an increase it its import bill.
Sri Lanka: Recovery Affected
- Sri Lanka was expecting to recover from the economic meltdown with economy opening up post CoVID.
- However, the conflict has led put a stop to this recovery.
- Lack of Foreign Exchange is affecting its economy.
- Russia being a major buyer of Sri Lankan Tea puts pressure on Sri Lanka.
- It too has abstained from voting in UN Assemblies.
Pakistan: Pro Russian
- Pakistan sees an opportunity by forming an axis with Russia and China which would have influence over the Eurasian region after withdrawal of US from Afghanistan.
- It has abstained from voting against Russia and Imran Khan’s visit to Russia is being seen as a step in this endeavor.
- It also refused to heed to the call of EU ambassadors who asked Pakistan to join the alliance against Russia citing Kashmir Issue.
Nepal: Against Russia
- Nepal voted against Russia at the UN General Assembly taking a stand against Russia.
- However, the backdrop of this exposes the geopolitical difficulties that it had been facing.
- US is about to give $500 Million grant to Nepal which is being seen as Nepal going against China.
- China too does not see this as grant but an act of coercive diplomacy.
Maldives: Against Russia
- Maldives has shed the pro-China tilt of the previous regime and has voted against Russia.
- It has signed a defense agreement with USA last year and has condemned the conflict which could grow into a wider regional aggression.
Bangladesh: Remembering 1971
- Bangladesh to has abstained from voting against Russia while batting for peace and tranquility across the world.
- It is being seen in the backdrop of tensions that arose due to sanctioning of the Rapid battalion Group an elite force of Bangladesh by the USA.
- Bangladesh also remembers the help Russia gave during the 1971 war which made its existence possible.
Afghanistan: Against Russia
- Afghanistan has voted against Russia despite declaring itself neutral.
- However, legitimacy of their government is still not recognized by many.
- Afghans feel that Russia’s invasion has shifted the focus away from the humanitarian crisis that they are facing.
Bhutan: Against Russia
- Bhutan voted against Russia where it has made clear that if Russia’s invasion were to be given legitimacy, every large nation could invade its neighbor on pretext of sovereignty.
Source – Indian Express
