India is going ‘beyond advocacy’ on the Russia-Ukraine conflict: Jaishankar

India is going ‘beyond advocacy’ on the Russia‑Ukraine conflict: Jaishankar NEW DELHI — In a rare public statement on the war in Ukraine, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said India is moving “beyond advocacy” to a more proactive stance, signalling a subtle shift in New Delhi’s long‑standing balancing act between Moscow and the West. “For us, Russia and the Soviet Union before that was a country that stood by us in many ways when our security, when our territorial integrity was under threat, and at a time when you know much of the world preferred backing a military regime next to us,” Jaishankar told reporters in New Delhi on Tuesday. His comments, made at a press briefing after a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin, underscore the diplomatic tightrope India has walked since the conflict erupted in February 2022..

The minister’s remarks come as India, the world’s second‑largest democracy and a major arms purchaser, continues to buy Russian weapons while simultaneously deepening ties with the United States, European Union and NATO‑aligned nations. Analysts say the “beyond advocacy” phrasing may hint at a willingness to engage more directly in diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the war, rather than merely voicing concern. “It is a diplomatic evolution, not a policy reversal,” noted Dr Rohit Kumar, a senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic Studies, New Delhi..

“India wants to be seen as a constructive player without alienating either side.” Jaishankar’s comments were echoed by senior officials in the Ministry of External Affairs, who stressed that India’s position is rooted in “principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non‑interference.” While the country has consistently called for a cease‑fire and negotiations, it has stopped short of condemning Moscow’s invasion outright. The new language, however, suggests an ambition to move from rhetorical support for peace to facilitating dialogue, perhaps through back‑channel talks or participation in multilateral forums such as the UN Security Council, where India hopes to play a larger role after securing a permanent seat. The shift arrives at a time when India’s defence imports from Russia have hit a record high, with Moscow supplying the BrahMos cruise missile, S‑400 air‑defence systems and a host of legacy platforms still in service with the Indian armed forces..

Yet New Delhi has also been diversifying its procurement, signing major deals with the United States for Apache helicopters, F‑21 fighter jets and advanced missile‑defence radars. “Our strategic autonomy allows us to maintain historic defence ties while exploring new partnerships,” Jaishankar said, highlighting the nuanced nature of India’s security calculus. International reaction has been mixed..

The United States praised the statement as a “positive step towards greater Indian engagement in global security issues,” while the European Union called for “continued constructive dialogue.” Moscow, for its part, welcomed the remarks, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov describing India’s stance as “understanding and supportive of Russia’s legitimate security concerns.” The nuanced reception reflects the broader geopolitical contest in which India seeks to avoid being cast as either a client of the West or a proxy for Russian interests. Inside India, political parties and civil‑society groups have voiced divergent views. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has generally aligned with Jaishankar’s emphasis on strategic autonomy, whereas left‑leaning parties have urged a firmer condemnation of Russia’s actions..

Human‑rights organisations have warned that any perceived soft‑peddling of Moscow could undermine India’s credibility on international norms. “If India truly wants to go beyond advocacy, it must demonstrate tangible actions, not just diplomatic platitudes,” said Anjali Mehta of Amnesty International India. Economically, the war has forced New Delhi to reassess its energy dependence on Russia..

Although India has increased imports of Russian oil, it has also accelerated its pivot to renewable energy and diversified its oil sources, buying more from the United States and the Middle East. “Our energy security strategy is separate from our diplomatic posture on the conflict,” Jaishankar clarified, insisting that trade decisions are driven by market dynamics rather than political allegiances. The broader implication of India’s evolving stance is its bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council..

A more active role in mediating the Ukraine crisis could bolster India’s case, showcasing its capacity to contribute to global peace and security. “We are positioning ourselves as a responsible global player, capable of balancing great‑power rivalries while upholding international law,” said former diplomat and current UN adviser Sunil Sinha. The timing of the statement, just months before the next UN election cycle, appears calculated..

Nevertheless, skeptics caution that India’s historical reliance on Russian military hardware may limit its flexibility. “The reality on the ground is that India still depends on Russian technology for critical defence capabilities,” observed Professor Arun Bhatia of the Indian Institute of International Affairs. “A shift in diplomatic tone does not automatically translate into a shift in strategic assets.” Jaishankar acknowledged this, noting ongoing efforts to indigenise defence production and reduce long‑term dependence on any single supplier..

Regional neighbours are watching closely. Pakistan, which has traditionally aligned more closely with China, may interpret India’s nuanced approach as an attempt to maintain equilibrium among the major powers. Meanwhile, China, a staunch ally of Russia, has lauded India’s “balanced and prudent” stance, hoping to prevent the formation of a unified front against Moscow..

“India’s actions are being read by.