26 Aug India-Ukraine Relations in the Evolving Global Landscape: The Significance of Modi’s Historic Visit and Emerging Global Challenges
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and topic details of the India-Ukraine relations in changing global relations: Significance of Modi’s historic visit to Ukraine and new global challenges
Syllabus mapping:
GS-2: International Relations: India and its foreign policy.
For Prelims:
What are the major initiatives between the India and Ukraine relationship, facts, and data related to the trade?
For Mains:
How has the relationship between both countries evolved and what is the significance of the recent visit of the PM to Ukraine?
Why in the news?
On August 23, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Ukraine, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed strengthening their bilateral relationship, aiming to upgrade it from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic one.
Key Points of the Prime ministers Visit to the Ukraine:
1. Political Relations:
Both leaders agreed to enhance bilateral relations based on mutual respect and trust.
They reviewed progress over the past three decades and noted the positive impact of regular engagements, including recent meetings and consultations.
They appreciated Ukrainian participation in events like the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit and Raisina Dialogue.
2. Peace Efforts:
They emphasized adherence to international law and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
India’s participation in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine was welcomed, and they discussed the role of the Joint Communiqué on a Peace Framework.
3. Economic and Technical Cooperation:
They explored expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and green energy.
The importance of the Indian-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) was highlighted, with a focus on restoring and enhancing bilateral trade.
They agreed on the need for easier business practices and mutual recognition of educational qualifications.
4. Defence Cooperation:
They committed to strengthening defense ties, including joint collaborations and partnerships in military-technical areas.
5. Cultural and People-to-People Ties:
They welcomed the bilateral Programme of Cultural Cooperation and planned cultural festivals in both countries.
The importance of the Indian diaspora in Ukraine and continued support for Indian students was acknowledged.
6. Global and Regional Issues:
Both leaders condemned terrorism and called for UN Security Council reforms.
Ukraine expressed support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.
They discussed Ukraine joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Historical background of India-Ukraine relations:
Establishment of diplomatic relations: Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, India recognized Ukraine and established diplomatic relations in January 1992. The Indian Embassy in Kyiv was opened in May 1992.
In February 1993, Ukraine opened its embassy in Delhi.
Areas of cooperation between India and Ukraine
History: The Soviet Union supported India against Pakistan in the 1971 war. The slogan “Hindi-Russi Bhai-Bhai” was coined by Nikita Khrushchev, the Ukrainian leader of the USSR.
High-level visits: There are regular high-level visits and talks between India and Ukraine.
Russia-Ukraine war: There is regular telephone communication between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Military cooperation
military technology: Ukraine has been a source of military technology and equipment to India, such as R-27 missiles.
defense equipment export: India started exporting defense equipment to Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war.
Institutional support
ITEC Program: Training and capacity building programs in India.
ICCR Scholarship: Higher-level courses in Indian institutions.
Central Hindi Institute: Scholarship for Hindi language courses.
Humanitarian aid
send help: India has sent 99.3 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
medical aid: Indian pharmaceutical companies have provided medical assistance worth more than US$8 million.
Economic relations:
Bilateral trade volume in the first half of 2024 was US$1.07 billion.
In 2020, India was Ukraine’s largest export destination in the Asia-Pacific region.
Bilateral trade to reach US$386 billion in 2021-22.
Main export and import items:
exports from Ukraine to India: Fats and oils of vegetable origin, corn, hard coal.
exports from India to Ukraine: Pharmaceuticals, machinery, chemicals, food products.
Diaspora Support:
The local Indian community includes business professionals and medical students. Business professionals are primarily employed in manufacturing, packaging, and trading.
The Indian community has formed an association called “India Club” which organizes cultural and sports events.
Cultural cooperation:
More than 30 Ukrainian cultural associations/groups spread across the country are engaged in promoting Indian arts, yoga, philosophy, Ayurveda, and spirituality. For example, celebrating Yoga Day and Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.
Indian films shot in Ukraine: Like the Oscar-winning song “Natu-Natu” was shot in Ukraine.
Emerging opportunities for India-Ukraine bilateral relations:
The emerging opportunities of India-Ukraine relations can be presented as follows –
Opportunities for post-war reconstruction: The post-war reconstruction process in Ukraine will provide important opportunities for India. Indian construction companies and construction services can play an active role in the reconstruction work of Ukraine, thereby strengthening economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Geo-strategic cooperation in the Indian Ocean: Military cooperation with Ukraine in the Indian Ocean could be of strategic benefit to India. Ukraine’s latest waterborne technology, which challenges Russia’s superior Black Sea fleet, could help India counter China’s influence in the Indian Ocean.
Receiving advanced defense cooperation: Ukraine’s defense needs may provide an opportunity for India to replace its old Soviet weapons with Western technology. This cooperation can help India upgrade its defense capabilities and move towards NATO systems.
Shifting of production bases: Closer cooperation between India and Ukraine, such as the relocation of Zorya-Mashproekt’s gas turbine manufacturing company to India, can enhance industry and technology potential in India.
Bilateral digital cooperation between India and Ukraine: Digital cooperation between India and Ukraine can improve governance and technology in both countries. Ukraine’s DIIA app could bring innovation to the Indian governance system, while India’s former electronic voting machines could prove useful to Ukraine.
Increase in opportunities for employment generation: Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts can provide significant opportunities for India’s labor market, creating new employment opportunities.
Challenges in India-Ukraine relations:
Decline in bilateral trade:
decline trade: India-Ukraine trade is to decline from $39 billion in 2021-22 to $0.71 billion in 2023-24 due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Impact on India’s imports:
Reduction in imports: The decline in trade has impacted India’s imports of agricultural, machine-building, and military goods from Ukraine.
Increase in inflation: Inflation has increased in the country due to the impact on the supply chain of sunflower oil.
India’s relations with Russia:
Geopolitical balance: The sense of India-Ukraine geopolitical cooperation has diminished slightly due to India’s continued engagement with Russia and Moscow’s decision to avoid all public criticism.
Criticism of India’s policies by Ukraine:
In the past, Ukraine has criticized India’s nuclear policy and Kashmir policy. These criticisms have been acting as a hindrance in building bilateral and full-fledged India-Ukraine relations, affecting bilateral cooperation.
Way forward:
Maintaining strict rules at the level of diplomatic balance: India must maintain diplomatic balance in its relations with Russia and Ukraine, as well as China and the US. India should not allow its relations with Ukraine to alter its equations with Russia. This is important because Russia’s relations with China have no direct bearing on its relations with India.
India needs to play a central role in establishing global peace: India must value its role as a peace-loving and principled global player. In particular, India should play a leading role in Ukrainian peace negotiations. Doing so will help restore global food supply chains and prevent millions of deaths due to starvation around the world.
India needs to demonstrate the new definition of non-alignment in its foreign policy: India should demonstrate the changed definition of non-alignment in its foreign policy. This definition has now changed from maintaining equal distance from all countries to maintaining close and balanced relations with all countries. India should maintain its close cooperation with Russia while deepening its ties with Ukraine.
Striking a precise balance in strategic direction in the geopolitical quagmire: The Russia-Ukraine conflict has put India in a sensitive situation. In this scenario, India will have to strike a precise balance between its historical ties with Russia and its growing partnership with the West. India must proceed strategically with caution in this geopolitical scenario.
Conclusion:
The India-Ukraine relationship is characterized by a foundation of diplomatic goodwill and economic engagement, tempered by the complexities of global geopolitical dynamics. As both nations navigate the evolving international landscape, their relationship remains a testament to the potential for collaboration and mutual benefit despite significant challenges.
Prelims Question:
Q. Consider the following statement with respect to the India and Ukraine relationship:
1. India was the first country to recognize Ukraine in 1991.
2. Ukraine is the largest supplier of sunflower oil to India prior to the Ukraine-Russia War.
3. The Indian Prime Minister is the only leader who visited both the war-torn countries
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: A
Mains question:
The Indian Prime Minister has visited both Russia and Ukraine in recent times which highlights India’s policy of strategic autonomy. In this regard what are the implications of such foreign policy on India?
(250 words 15 marks)
No Comments