30 March 2024, NIICE Commentary 8999
Shonit Nayan
In the intricate dance of international relations, where the movements of nations resemble pieces on a chessboard, the relationship between India and Ukraine emerges as a strategic alliance with profound implications. Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India’s diplomatic engagement with Ukraine embodies the principles of Chanakya, the ancient Indian strategist whose teachings emphasize the art of statecraft and the pursuit of national interest. External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, welcomed Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to New Delhi from 28th to 29th March, 2024, while the stage was set for a dialogue rooted in pragmatism and mutual benefit.
Beyond the Battlefield: Building Bridges for Mutual Gain
In the realm of international relations, the concept of “Sama, Dam, Danda, Bheda” elucidated by Chanakya resonates deeply which encapsulates the idea of employing diplomacy, economic incentives, deterrence, and covert operations to achieve strategic objectives. India and Ukraine are adeptly applying these principles as they seek to forge a partnership that transcends the confines of geopolitics.
Furthermore, their collaboration spans diverse sectors, from trade and technology to defense and agriculture, with a shared vision of mutual prosperity. This multifaceted approach reflects a nuanced understanding of power dynamics and the importance of leveraging strengths to overcome challenges.
The Secret Weapon: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Central to this endeavor is the India-Ukraine Inter-Governmental Commission, embodying the principles of “Mitra-labha” – the acquisition of allies – as outlined in Chanakya’s Arthashastra. This collaborative framework serves as a catalyst for deeper engagement, akin to a strategic alliance between allies in pursuit of common goals. Through regular consultations and joint initiatives, they are harnessing the power of teamwork to unlock new avenues for cooperation and innovation. In addition, their upcoming meeting holds the promise of charting a course towards a future defined by shared success and collective prosperity.
From War Zones to Peace Zones: A Shared Mission
Amidst the turmoil of conflict, India and Ukraine are guided by the principle of “Sama,” or negotiation, in their quest for peace. Their dialogue extends beyond bilateral concerns to encompass regional and global issues, reflecting a commitment to stability and security. As they navigate the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine war, they embody the spirit of “Lokasamgraha,” the welfare of the world, as advocated by ancient Indian philosophy. Their collaborative efforts serve as a beacon of hope in a world marred by discord, demonstrating the transformative potential of diplomacy and dialogue.
India, the Peace Whisperer: Can they Silence the Guns?
With its rich diplomatic tradition rooted in the principles of “Sambhavana” – treating adversaries with respect – India is uniquely positioned to play a constructive role in resolving conflicts through sustained engagement and dialogue, they are working towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis, echoing the ethos of “Sulah,” or reconciliation, as espoused by Chanakya. Each interaction, whether at the highest levels of government or between ordinary citizens, lays the groundwork for understanding and trust, paving the way for lasting peace.
More than Just Neighbors: A Friendship for the Ages
The relationship between India and Ukraine transcends the confines of geography, evolving into a friendship grounded in shared values and aspirations. Their partnership embodies the essence of “Sama-dhana,” the art of persuasion, as they seek to align their interests and aspirations. In a world grappling with conflict and uncertainty, their alliance offers a ray of hope, illustrating the transformative power of cooperation and collaboration.
The Takeaway
Minister Kuleba’s visit to India symbolizes more than just a diplomatic exchange; it signifies a convergence of interests and a shared commitment to peace and prosperity. Both nations, India and Ukraine, are navigating the complexities of the global landscape, drawing not only from contemporary strategies, but also, from timeless wisdom, such as that of Chanakya and international relations theory, to chart their course ahead.
Their partnership is not merely about bilateral relations; it holds the potential to reshape the geopolitical dynamics not only of their region but also, beyond. This collaboration offers a vision of cooperation, stability, and progress, which stands in stark contrast to the prevalent uncertainty and turmoil in today’s world. In essence, their alliance serves as a beacon of hope, casting light on a pathway towards a more peaceful and prosperous global community.
This powerful alliance is already yielding concrete results. Earlier India had provided critical humanitarian assistance to Ukraine during its time of need, while Ukraine has emerged as a key partner in India’s quest for food security. India had pledged to supply Ukraine with 500,000 tons of wheat to bolster global food security threatened by the ongoing conflict. Ukraine, known as Europe’s breadbasket, is a major exporter of wheat, corn and barley. The disruptions caused by the war have sent shockwaves through the global food system, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Additionally, both nations are collaborating on cutting-edge technological advancements in renewable energy and space exploration. India and Ukraine are collaborating on joint ventures to produce solar and wind energy technologies. India aims to achieve 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, and Ukraine is a leading country in wind and solar power generation in Eastern Europe. This partnership holds the potential to significantly contribute to global efforts to combat climate change as well.
Further stating, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU) are exploring collaborative projects in space research and satellite development. This could lead to advancements in fields like remote sensing, telecommunications, and space exploration. These are just a few examples of the multifaceted partnership that is blossoming between India and Ukraine.
Amidst a world fraught with conflict, the collective efforts of India and Ukraine represent a formidable force for positive change. Together, they are poised to confront and overcome the challenges that arise from geopolitical tensions, socio-economic disparities, and environmental concerns. Through their partnership, they aspire to emerge as champions of peace and progress, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of collaboration and mutual respect.
Shonit Nayan is a Principal Consultant at SDP Group of Companies and has worked with Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, India.
