Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 15th October. In the wake of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Bharat has maintained a strategic position in the global supply chain, continuing to export critical technologies and goods to Russia despite mounting pressure and sanctions from Western countries, including the United States. Over two years since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Bharat’s defiance of these sanctions and its steadfast engagement with Russia have drawn significant attention and, at times, criticism from the international community. Despite this, Bharat has made it clear that its actions are driven by national interest, standing firm in the face of external objections.
Bharat’s Supply of Critical Technologies to Russia: A Growing Concern
A recent report reveals that Bharat has surged to become the second-largest supplier of restricted critical technologies to Russia, trailing only China. Bharatiya exports of sensitive items such as microchips, electronic circuits, and machine tools to Russia have risen sharply in recent months. The figures tell the story: exports of restricted items hit $60 million in both April and May of this year, about double the earlier months’ figures. By July, these exports leaped to $95 million. This data underscores the significant role Bharat is playing in circumventing the West’s efforts to cripple Russia’s war machine.
According to the report, Bharat now accounts for almost a fifth of the sensitive technology that reaches Russia, presenting a formidable challenge to the United States and its European allies, who are trying to curtail Russia’s capacity to wage war. These figures illustrate the complexities the West faces in enforcing sanctions against Russia, particularly when key nations like Bharat continue to uphold robust trade relations with Moscow.
Energy Ties: Bharat’s Dependence on Russian Oil
Beyond technology, Bharat’s import of crude oil from Russia has also been a point of contention. In the wake of sanctions aimed at limiting Russia’s oil sales, Bharat has emerged as one of the top buyers of Russian crude, taking advantage of discounts that have helped ease the country’s energy supply pressures. This move, while beneficial for Bharat’s energy needs and economic stability, has drawn ire from Western nations that see it as undermining their efforts to economically isolate Russia.
Despite repeated objections from the West, Bharat’s stance has remained unwavering. The Government of Bharat has consistently communicated that its decisions are driven by national interest. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has openly addressed international concerns, emphasizing that Bharat’s primary responsibility is to ensure its people have access to affordable energy and essential goods. Bharat’s diplomacy has been rooted in pragmatism, advocating for an approach that allows it to maintain sovereign decision-making in its foreign trade policies while navigating the geopolitical intricacies of a multipolar world.
Geopolitical Implications: A Delicate Balancing Act
Bharat’s actions in continuing to supply restricted technologies to Russia and buying Russian oil have exposed the delicate balancing act it must perform on the global stage. The situation puts Bharat in a complex diplomatic position. On the one hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has successfully cultivated strong relationships with Western countries, including the United States and the European Union, particularly in areas such as defense, trade, and technology cooperation. On the other hand, Bharat’s long-standing ties with Russia, dating back to the Cold War, remain strong, and Russia continues to be a key defense and energy partner for Bharat.
The conflict in Ukraine has strained these relationships, as Western allies seek to align global partners in isolating Russia. However, Bharat’s refusal to align with this agenda fully, driven by pragmatic considerations, complicates Western efforts to apply uniform pressure on Moscow. Washington and Brussels are aware of the importance of nurturing their partnership with Bharat, given the country’s rising geopolitical and economic clout. This has led to a cautious approach in their dealings with Bharat, refraining from overtly criticizing Bharat’s stance while continuing efforts to influence its policy.
Bharat’s Strategic Interests
Bharat’s actions can be understood within the framework of its broader strategic interests. First and foremost, Bharat prioritizes its national security, which is closely tied to its energy security. With its growing economy and massive population, Bharat needs to secure reliable and affordable sources of energy. Russian oil has provided Bharat with an attractive option, particularly as other global suppliers have faced disruptions or price surges. For Bharat, cutting off this crucial supply could severely impact its economic stability.
Furthermore, Bharat views its relationship with Russia as a key aspect of its defense strategy. Russia remains one of Bharat’s largest defense suppliers, with a substantial portion of Bharat’s military hardware coming from Moscow. The long-standing defense cooperation between the two nations is a cornerstone of Bharat’s strategic autonomy, allowing it to avoid overdependence on any single global power for its defense needs.
At the same time, Bharat is cognizant of the growing importance of its relationship with the United States, especially in the context of the Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at counterbalancing China’s rising influence. The US and its allies are eager to draw Bharat closer into their fold, both as a trading partner and as a key player in the region’s security architecture. This creates a dynamic where Bharat must carefully navigate its relationships with both Moscow and Washington without alienating either party.
Bharat’s Diplomatic Stance: Pragmatism Over Ideology
Bharat’s foreign policy in recent years has been characterized by a pragmatic approach that prioritizes national interests over ideological alignments. This pragmatism has allowed Bharat to maintain good relations with a wide range of global powers, even when their interests conflict with each other. Bharat has pursued a policy of multi-alignment, engaging with countries on a case-by-case basis depending on how each relationship can serve its own strategic objectives.
In the context of the Ukraine war, Bharat has avoided taking a firm stance against Russia, refraining from participating in Western sanctions while also expressing concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict. Bharat’s diplomatic efforts have focused on calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution, without directly condemning Russia’s actions. This neutral stance has allowed Bharat to preserve its strategic partnership with Moscow while continuing to engage meaningfully with Western nations.
Conclusion
Bharat’s continued supply of critical technologies and goods to Russia, coupled with its increased imports of Russian crude oil, reflect a calculated decision by the Modi government to put national interest above external pressures. While Bharat’s actions have drawn criticism from the West, they highlight the country’s determination to maintain strategic autonomy in its foreign policy.
Bharat’s position is a realistic and pragmatic one, grounded in the need to secure its economic and energy interests in a volatile global environment. By maintaining trade ties with Russia, Bharat has been able to shield itself from the economic fallout of the Ukraine conflict, ensuring a stable supply of energy and essential goods. This approach also aligns with Bharat’s broader strategy of multi-alignment, allowing it to engage with all major global powers without being drawn into any one geopolitical camp.
However, the challenges Bharat faces are significant. Its balancing act between the West and Russia will require delicate diplomacy in the coming years, as the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve. As long as Bharat can navigate these complexities while keeping its national interests at the forefront, it is likely to continue playing a critical role in shaping the future of global politics.
