India called for a diplomatic approach and peaceful efforts over Russia-Ukraine crisis

Crisis between Russia and West over Ukraine has created a tight environment in the region. India has finally opened up on the situation and shared its stand. At the weekly briefing conducted by Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi represented India’s position on this critical period when the threat of war lingers. MEA spokesperson said, ‘We have been closely keeping up with the updates related to Ukraine and other ongoing talks between Russia and US. Our embassy in Kyiv has started keeping records of local developments. Through sustained diplomatic efforts, we call for a peaceful resolution into this matter for safety and stability to be maintained in the region.’

Although Russia has cleared that it has no intention to invade but is strongly demanding from West to promise that Ukraine will never become part of NATO defensive alliance. The talks and negotiations are taking place but the countries involve are rigid with their call. According to the information, Russia has seized Ukraine’s border and has deployed approximately 100,000 troops near the territory. Earlier, Russian president Vladimir Putin called Ukraine as a part of Russia ruled by anti-Russian leaders, while Ukraine calls itself an independent country after getting independence in 1991 next the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Political advisor Jyoti Tiwari commented on Ukraine-Russia crisis and said, ‘A war situation between any two countries is not only an emergency for the two involved but also for the rest of the world. It is always advised to negotiate through diplomatic talks first and to prioritize the safety of citizens and stability of nation. Gathering defense and economy support is also one of the main steps while being prepared for any such war situation. But here, Russia won’t be initiating for war, because it has to take care of multiple things, as currently no country will stand with Russia for this decision.’ She called India’s statement on the situation a required and intelligent one. ‘Asking for peaceful resolution and diplomatic efforts into the matter is what countries involved in this should think of. This crisis between Russia and West led by US is critical for India because both the nations have particular ties with India’, told Jyoti Tiwari.

According to the information, India receives almost 60 per cent of military supplies from Russia. The military ties with Moscow cannot be jeopardies either, during the time when India and China are deploying troops on-off on borders. On the other side, US-India relation has developed stronger under present administration. US and Europe are both important strategic partners of India. Available information says that multiple American platforms are used for surveillance on India-China border whereas winter clothing for troops are also gained through these partners. Jyoti Tiwari told Eat News, ‘India shares particular and strong ties with Russia and west. While emphasizing on to resolve it through diplomatic efforts, India do not want to ruin its relation to any extent.’

Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and US deputy secretary of State Wendy Sherman had conversation on phone call. In a statement released by US State department, ‘A broad range of issues including Russia’s concerning military buildup on Ukraine’s borders and regional issues.’ Furthermore, India also told its nationals living in Ukraine to register themselves for gathering personal information amid tensions. ‘Our son went to Ukraine for pursuing higher studies two years back. We are in touch with him through video conferencing and phone calls. He is doing all fine but there is army tension in the country’, said a family that insisted to keep their identity anonymous. They further said, ‘Yes Indian embassy is collecting information about Indians living in region for any future situation. They have been assured safety and hostility from administration. Since our son is in middle of his studies, he insisted to stay there a little longer.’

Jyoti Tiwari who was once a media professional also commented on how west countries are covering this crisis. According to her, ‘Earlier, media outlets and organizations use to work to spread news so as to inform others but now it is about spreading narrative. War like situation attracts number of narratives within the country and globally. Same is happening here. Western media is portraying Russia in a certain way quite convincingly, whereas Russia has its own story that trusts 80 per cent of its people, according to a survey.’

News plays significant role in such situations but true objectivity is not possible. The race is to prove each other wrong, keeping everything aside. As mentioned earlier, a story can have multiple perspectives and couldn’t be look through the single. Russia-Ukraine crisis is just same. Where Russia has its own demands and decisions, Ukraine is right and is supported by US and European countries. But amid various developments over the situation, displacement of millions of people is on stakes.