The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 30th August 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Connecting the dots in the Kyiv visit 

India's Prime Minister visited Ukraine at the request of Ukraine's President. This marked the first visit by an Indian head of state to Ukraine since its independence in 1991.

• The visit concentrated on collaboration in the field of defense due to India's possession of a significant amount of military equipment with Ukrainian origins.

What are the Key Takeaways from India’s PM Visit to Ukraine?

• Clarification of India's Stance on the Russia-Ukraine War: India's Prime Minister emphasized that India has never taken a neutral position in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Instead, India has always supported peace. India is looking for genuine involvement from all parties involved to find practical solutions for a quick resolution to the conflict.
• Establishment of an Intergovernmental Commission: India and Ukraine have set up an Intergovernmental Commission to enhance and strengthen their bilateral trade and economic relations to levels seen before the conflict. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 3.386 billion in 2021-22.
• Signing of Four Key Agreements: The two nations have signed four agreements covering various sectors such as agriculture, the food industry, medical product regulation, and cultural cooperation. These agreements aim to boost collaboration in agriculture and the food industry, regulate medical products, offer humanitarian aid, and enhance cultural ties.
• Bhishm Cubes Gifted to Ukraine: India has gifted four Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHMA) cubes to Ukraine. These cubes, part of Project Aarogya Maitri, are designed for emergency medical care through mobile hospitals to ensure swift deployment of medical facilities during crises.
• Solidarity with Lives Lost: The Prime Minister visited a multimedia Martyrologist exhibition on children at the National Museum of History of Ukraine in Kyiv. He expressed sorrow for the tragic loss of young lives and paid his respects by placing a toy in their memory.
• Invitation to President Zelenskyy: India's Prime Minister has extended an invitation to the President of Ukraine to visit India. This gesture is significant, especially during the President's first visit to Ukraine since 1991.

What are the Dynamics of India-Ukraine Relations?

• Historic Visit: Shri Narendra Modi becomes the initial Prime Minister of India to travel to Ukraine after diplomatic relations were established in 1992. India was among the first nations to acknowledge Ukraine after it gained independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
• Departure from Traditional Foreign Policy: In the past, India had closer connections with the Soviet Union (predecessor to Russia) and had limited interactions with Ukraine. This visit is part of India's larger plan to strengthen ties with Europe, moving past the narrow focus on relations with Europe's major four countries - Russia, Germany, France, and Britain.
• Significant Change in India's Foreign Policy: This visit signifies a notable change in India's foreign policy, indicating a broader involvement with central and eastern Europe.
• New Paths in Bilateral Relations: There has been a rise in high-level discussions with the External Affairs Minister and the National Security Advisor engaging with Ukrainian counterparts.
• Strategic Interests: Ukraine's expertise in defense technology, like gas turbines and aircraft, presents opportunities for collaboration and joint manufacturing in India.
• Economic Opportunities: Ukraine's strength as one of the world's leading agrarian powers will increase its strategic importance in the future. Before the war, Ukraine was one of India's largest sources of sunflower oil.
• Independent Foreign Policy: India's interactions with Ukraine do not weaken its ties with Russia, demonstrating India's policy of maintaining separate relationships.

Why is Ukraine Important for India’s Defence Sector?

• Soviet Era Equipment: India has a large collection of old Soviet defense gear that is still in use. This includes gas turbine engines for Indian Navy ships and An-32 aircraft used by the Indian Air Force.
• Indian Air Force: In June 2009, India made a $400 million deal with Ukraine's SpetsTechnoExport to upgrade 105 AN-32 aircraft, extend their lifespan by 40 years, and enhance their avionics. The Indian Air Force relies heavily on the AN-32 for various tasks like maintaining troops, air cargo drops, and para drops along the northern border.
• Indian Navy: Ukraine is providing crucial parts for building two Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates at the Goa Shipyard Limited. More than 30 Indian warships are powered by engines from Zorya Nashproekt of Ukraine.
• Defence Trade: Following the Balakot air strike in 2019, the IAF urgently bought R-27 air-to-air missiles from Ukraine for its SU-30MKI jets. At Aero India in February 2021, Ukraine inked four deals worth $70 million for new weapons and maintenance/upgrades of existing ones used by the Indian military.
• Boosting Indian Defence Industry: Ukraine is seeking to purchase military equipment from India and expand its presence in the Indian defense market. Discussions have taken place with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for potential collaborations in research and development.

What are Irritants in India-Ukraine Relations?

• Russia-Ukraine Conflict: 
  • India's relations with Ukraine and Western allies have been strained due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
  • India has chosen to remain neutral, not openly criticizing Russia but advocating for peaceful resolutions.
  • India has avoided joining Western sanctions and has increased its purchase of discounted Russian fuel.
  • India has mostly refrained from voting on UN resolutions against Russia's actions in Ukraine.
• Impact on Supply Chains: 
  • The conflict has caused disruptions in the supply chains for crucial defense equipment.
  • For example, the upgrade of India's An-32 aircraft has been delayed because of the conflict's effects on Ukrainian factories.
  • Russia has postponed delivering the last two squadrons of the S-400 Triumf air defense system to India until August 2026.
• Ukraine's Position on Kashmir: 
  • Ukraine's statements on the Kashmir issue have created tensions between the two countries.
  • In 2019, after India revoked Article 370, Ukraine expressed concerns about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which India viewed as interference.
• Diplomatic Challenges: 
  • Differences in foreign policy priorities have led to difficulties in India-Ukraine relations.
  • India's close ties with Russia clash with Ukraine's opposition to Russian actions, creating diplomatic complexities.

Way Forward

• Balanced Approach to Russia-Ukraine Conflict:  India needs to carefully handle its position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While maintaining a close relationship with Russia, India should also show worry for Ukraine's independence and land rights.
• Strategic Autonomy and Non-Alignment: India should keep highlighting its strategy of strategic autonomy and non-alignment. This way, it can steer clear of getting involved in global disputes that don't directly benefit its own interests.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Support: India can strengthen its ties with Ukraine by providing humanitarian aid and support. This might involve medical help, aid for reconstruction, and technical assistance for rebuilding areas affected by war.
• Mediation and Peace Initiatives: If the chance arises, India could propose to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, leveraging its good relations with both countries. This move would showcase India as a responsible global participant and could aid in achieving a peaceful end to the conflict.
• Leveraging Global South Solidarity: India should collaborate with other Global South nations to form a union that advocates for peace and progress in regions of conflict like Ukraine.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q.Consider the following countries (2023)

1. Bulgaria
2. Czech Republic
3. Hungary
4. Latvia
5. Lithuania
6. Romania
How many of the above countries share a land border with Ukraine?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) Only five
Ans: (a)

Q. Which of the following countries share borders with Moldova? (2008)

1. Ukraine
2. Romania
3. Belarus
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Code:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)