India at the Crossroads: Redefining Neutrality as Global Leadership

Amal Chandra argues that India is no longer content with being a passive observer. Instead, it is now actively shaping the global order.

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict reshapes global geopolitics, India finds itself at a critical juncture. While much has been written about India’s policy of neutrality and non-alignment, a more significant shift is underway: India is moving beyond mere neutrality to position itself as a key player in shaping a new multipolar world order. In this editorial, I argue that India’s evolving foreign policy, particularly its handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, is not just about balancing relations but about actively asserting its role as a global leader capable of influencing diplomatic outcomes. This strategy—rooted in India’s historical principle of strategic autonomy—demands a deeper analysis.

Strategic Autonomy: A Core Principle

India’s foreign policy has long been characterized by strategic autonomy, a legacy of the non-alignment movement under Jawaharlal Nehru. This approach has allowed India to maintain relationships with multiple global powers without becoming enmeshed in formal alliances. In the 21st century, this has evolved into "multi-alignment," where India engages with a diverse set of global actors, from the United States to Russia to emerging economies in the Global South. The Russia-Ukraine conflict exemplifies this strategy, illuminating India’s broader diplomatic manoeuvring.

Since the outbreak of the war in 2022, India has refrained from directly condemning Russia, abstaining from UN resolutions that denounced Russian aggression. However, this is not a simple case of siding with one power over another. India’s position stems from a need to balance multiple interests: its historical ties with Russia, economic pragmatism, and its growing relationships with Western powers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked and reiterated that “this is not an era of war,” a statement reflecting India’s nuanced approach to global conflicts.

The Pragmatic Side of Neutrality

India’s neutrality is often viewed through the lens of realpolitik, especially its continued trade relations with Russia. The purchase of discounted Russian oil has drawn criticism from the West, particularly from the United States and European nations that have imposed sanctions on Moscow. Yet, for India, this is a matter of economic survival. With a population of over 1.4 billion and growing energy demands, India must ensure affordable fuel prices to maintain domestic stability.

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has been vocal in defending India’s stance, emphasizing that every nation must prioritize its national interests, especially in energy security. India’s continued imports of Russian oil, while controversial, serve a broader strategic purpose. By maintaining this economic lifeline, India ensures that it can navigate global energy price fluctuations while safeguarding its economic interests. However, the oil trade is just one part of the equation.

India’s engagement with Ukraine is equally significant. In August 2024, Modi’s visit to Kyiv, followed by high-level talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signalled India’s willingness to engage more deeply with the Ukrainian side of the conflict. Agreements signed during the visit—covering sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals—underscore India’s broader strategy of diversification. By expanding its relationships with new partners like Ukraine, India demonstrates its commitment to balancing economic ties with both sides of the conflict, ensuring it is not overly reliant on any single actor.

Beyond Economic Pragmatism: A Diplomatic Balancing Act

India’s policy of neutrality extends beyond economics. On the diplomatic front, India is working to solidify its role as a mediator. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s meeting with Russian officials in Moscow shortly after Modi’s visit to Kyiv underscores India’s desire to engage with both sides in the conflict. But this balancing act is not just about maintaining neutrality—it is part of India’s broader ambition to influence the global diplomatic landscape.

In recent years, India has used major global platforms like the G20 and BRICS to push for dialogue and peace. India’s leadership during the 2023 G20 Summit was particularly notable, as Modi's call for inclusive growth and global cooperation was praised by leaders such as Italy’s Giorgia Meloni. India’s growing diplomatic capital, built on its strategic autonomy, now gives it the potential to act as a mediator in conflicts like Russia-Ukraine.

But the question remains: Can India convert its diplomatic capital into concrete leadership? Sceptics argue that India’s neutrality sometimes comes across as passivity. While Modi and Doval have engaged in talks, India has yet to take substantial steps toward peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. To truly stand out as a global leader, India will need to move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate its capacity to mediate conflicts effectively.

India’s Emerging Leadership in the Global South

One area where India’s influence is particularly noteworthy is within the Global South. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has had a devastating impact on developing nations, exacerbating food and energy crises. India, as a leader of the Global South, has used its diplomatic platform to amplify these concerns. By advocating for the interests of Africa, Latin America, and Asia, India positions itself as a moral authority capable of representing the voices of nations often sidelined in global governance.

India’s leadership in the Global South is not just symbolic. By advocating for a more equitable global order, India strengthens its diplomatic standing and enhances its ability to mediate between conflicting powers. This dual approach—engaging both Western and non-Western actors—gives India significant leverage in international forums, enabling it to advocate for peace while promoting a more inclusive world order.

The Risks of Overextending

While India’s balancing act has largely been successful, it is not without risks. By engaging with both Russia and Ukraine while maintaining relations with the West, India risks being perceived as opportunistic. This could undermine its moral standing, particularly if its actions are seen as prioritizing economic gains over global peace efforts. Furthermore, India's efforts to mediate may be hindered by the sheer scale of the geopolitical tensions between Russia and NATO, both of which have entrenched interests in the conflict.

Yet, if India navigates these risks effectively, it stands to emerge as a central player in global diplomacy. Its ability to balance competing interests, advocate for a multipolar world, and mediate conflicts will define its relevance on the international stage for years to come.

A New Era for Indian Diplomacy

India’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict represents a turning point in its foreign policy. No longer content with being a passive observer, India is now actively shaping the global order. Its neutrality is not about sitting on the sidelines but about engaging with all sides to foster dialogue and stability. India’s growing diplomatic capital, particularly within the Global South, positions it as a leader capable of influencing global outcomes.

As the conflict continues, India’s ability to convert its neutrality into a tool for global leadership will be tested. But if India can successfully navigate this complex geopolitical landscape, it may well emerge as one of the most influential diplomatic forces in the world.

Amal Chandra is an author, policy analyst, and columnist. He holds a postgraduate degree with distinction from the Department of Politics and International Studies at Pondicherry University. Follow him on ‘X’ at @ens_socialis.

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