India's Position on Ukraine
1. What is the purpose of the peace conference?
The peace conference aims to discuss and find a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. It seeks to bring together representatives from various countries to engage in dialogue and cooperation for resolving the conflict peacefully.
2. Who organized the peace conference?
The peace conference on the Ukraine conflict was organized by Saudi Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. It took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
3. Who participated in the conference?
Participants at the conference included National Security Advisor Ajit Doval from India, United States NSA Jake Sullivan, and Chinese Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui. The head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andriy Yermak, was also expected to address the conference.
4. Was Russia invited to the conference?
No, Russia was not invited to the conference. However, a statement from the Kremlin mentioned that Russia would "keep an eye" on the proceedings.
5. What is the focus of the conference?
The conference focuses on finding a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict. It aims to address the crisis through political and diplomatic means, seeking ways to ensure peace and security in the region.
6. Are there any other related conferences or summits planned?
Ukraine hopes to host its own conference later this year to address the conflict and garner international support for its "peace formula," which includes a pull-out of Russian troops.
India's Policy towards Ukraine and Russia
1. How has India responded to Russia's invasion of Ukraine?
India has solidified ties with Russia and refrained from condemning Moscow's actions in Ukraine. While Western democracies have imposed sanctions on Russia and reduced oil and gas imports, India has increased its purchases of Russian oil at bargain prices and continued to place orders for Russian-made weapons.
2. What are the factors shaping India's policy towards Ukraine and Russia?
Four main factors influence India's policy: historical ties with Russia dating back to the Cold War, India's need for cheap Russian oil due to its fast-growing economy and limited domestic reserves, India's reliance on Russian arms and military equipment, and India's concern about Russia moving closer to China, which is seen as its top national security threat.
3. What is India's stance on the Ukraine war?
India has called for a cease-fire in Ukraine but has not directly condemned Russia's actions. Instead, it has focused more on the spike in global food and fuel prices triggered by the war.
4. How has the India-Russia relationship evolved over time?
The India-Russia relationship dates back to the Cold War era, with India showing strategic sympathy for the Soviet Union during its struggle for independence. Despite the end of the Cold War and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, India has maintained a steady and time-tested relationship with Russia.
5. How does India view the West's focus on Ukraine?
Much of the global south, including India, sees the West's focus on Ukraine as a distraction from more pressing issues such as food security, inflation, and mounting debt.
6. How does India view Russia's proximity to China?
India's primary foreign policy concern is China, with whom it shares a disputed border. India fears that Russia's increasing closeness to China could lead to adverse implications for its national security as it could mean support for Pakistan,denial of civilian and military goods to India. India seeks to prevent Russia from fully aligning with China and becoming a potential ally against India's interests in the region.
7. How does the Biden administration view India's policy towards Russia?
The Biden administration understands India's need for Russian oil and has expressed comfort with India's approach to Russian imports. Despite India's refusal to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine, the U.S. views India's ties with Russia as a useful means to prevent Russia from aligning too closely with China
