On January 19, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman called up Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and they discussed “Russia's concerning military build-up on Ukraine's borders”. However, Delhi is yet to issue an official statement on the matter, choosing to closely monitor the developments as of now.
Officials here said that with key strategic partners on both sides, any hasty moves may shrink the already tight diplomatic space Delhi has.
So while there is concern about Russia's “muscle-flexing” and external intervention in national matters, New Delhi does not want to jeopardise its equation with Moscow.
Almost 60 per cent of India's military supplies are Russian-manufactured, a significant factor when Indian and Chinese troops continue to be in a stand-off on the eastern border.
At the same time, the US and Europe, which are pushing back against Russia over Ukraine, are both important partners from India's strategic calculus. Many US platforms have been used for reconnaissance and surveillance along the India-China border. Winter clothing for 50,000 troops has been sourced from these Western strategic partners.
India is also conscious that the hostility between the West and Russia, with talks of sanctions being considered, is likely to push Moscow in the direction of Beijing, hence strengthening the Chinese. Also, how Moscow's negotiations draw a wedge between US and its European allies is also being watched carefully here.
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