Russia-Ukraine Crisis: International Isolation for India.

Byline: Farid Ullah Khan

India's decision to reject the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution and abstention from voting on the UNHCR resolution against Russia had resulted in considerable worldwide criticism and isolation for India when it was attempting to become a permanent member of the UNSC. Following Russia's actions against Ukraine, the UN Human Rights Council wants to form an independent international commission of inquiry. In this regard, on March 2, UN General Assembly voted to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Abstention by 35 countries was perceived as an expression of support for the Russian invasion by the West. Abstaining countries have received a barrage of criticism. India: The Focus of Western Criticism However, regarding the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) waiver on the S-400 contract, agreements with the Quad Alliance, consensus with the US/West to confront China in the Indo-Pacific, and reliance on Russian military hardware, the focus of western media criticism remained on India. Even US President Biden, replying to a question on India's support for the US against Russia during a press conference before the UNSC vote, stated that "Washington is still in unresolved consultations with India." India's Significance for the US It is evident from the regional and international history that the Indian establishment has persuaded the United States and its allies that India is not just a counterweight to China but also a reliable strategic partner in the global arena.

However, when the US needed India the most, India took a position that harmed US interests. In addition, the acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defense system by India has further enraged Washington, putting it at risk of US sanctions under a 2017 bill aimed at discouraging countries from purchasing Russian military hardware. India's duplicity has now been well judged by the United States, realizing that India, on one side, assures it of support against China and, on the other hand, is expanding its defense connections with Russia. This dual standard of policy on the part of India is now interpreted in Washing ton in the right direction that India is no more a trustworthy ally. One such exam ple is ignoring India in the military alliance 'AUKUS' between Washington, Canberra, and London. In the recent past, the world has witnessed how the EU Disinfo lab exposed India for its dirty tactics of spreading fake news and propaganda...