India in a ‘good position’ to help end Russia-Ukraine war

AL JAZEERA:

India’s balancing act on the war in Ukraine is becoming more difficult, but New Delhi’s unique position – as a friend of both Russia and the West – could see it emerge as a key mediator, experts have told Al Jazeera.

When war began on February 24, New Delhi was quick to support Ukraine’s humanitarian needs.

But India has abstained from condemning Moscow’s actions at the United Nations – a consistent position that the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi says is in line with India’s foreign and defence policies.

In a November interview with Times Now, an Indian media outlet, India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar argued that he is not trying to cater to the demands of “other people”.

“Sometimes, I have lived with things that you [the West] did. Now, live with it [India’s foreign policy],” he said.

But as the war intensifies, global energy and food shortages are prompting India to re-evaluate its restrictive stance towards Russia.