Can Ukraine Convince India to Move Beyond Neutrality?

In the context of Russia's war against Ukraine, India has traditionally maintained strategic neutrality, balancing between Moscow and Kyiv. However, as Dmytro Levus points out in his article “India at the Crossroads: Can Ukraine Turn India's Neutrality into Support?”, Ukrainian diplomacy is strengthening its influence on New Delhi by focusing on key arguments. 

First, Ukraine underlines the importance of food security for India, reminding it that it is the third largest supplier of sunflower oil to the Indian market. Ensuring stable and affordable grain supplies through secure Black Sea corridors is critical to reducing food inflation in India.

Second, Ukraine offers cooperation in the field of critical resources, in particular lithium, a raw material for green energy. Ukrainian lithium deposits will help India diversify its supplies and reduce its dependence on China.

Third, Kyiv draws attention to shared strategic interests in countering China's rise, as Moscow's weakening limits Beijing's capabilities, which coincides with India's policy of containment.

Finally, Ukraine's experience in conducting asymmetric military operations and using unmanned maritime systems could be useful for developing India's naval capabilities.

The possibility of changing India's position exists not because of moral arguments, but because of pragmatic benefits. With the rising cost of Russian oil, components, and reputational risks for New Delhi, Ukraine's proposals, including stable food supplies, access to important resources, and security cooperation in the region, are becoming increasingly attractive.

Read more in the article “India at the Crossroads: Can Ukraine Turn India's Neutrality into Support?”