London: The Russian-Ukraine war does not seem to be stopping even after 22 days. Meanwhile, Britain has expressed deep displeasure over India’s role in relation to Russia. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Trade Minister in the Boris Johnson government of Britain, has said that we are deeply disappointed by India’s stand, but despite this, we believe that India is our main trading partner and we are working with it and will continue. Annie said this when she was asked whether India’s stand on the war with Russia would affect Indo-British trade relations.
It is noteworthy that despite all the appeals of the international community, India has taken a very balanced approach on the Ukraine issue in view of its relations with Russia. Resolutions have been presented several times in the United Nations against Russia for attacking Ukraine. But along with China, India has also been absent from voting on these. Recently, a resolution was moved in the United Nations General Assembly strongly condemning the Russian attack on Ukraine, but India refused, saying that the problem can be resolved only through dialogue and diplomatic means. A similar resolution was introduced in the 15-member United Nations Security Council last month. Even at that time, India had chosen to remain absent. 11 votes were received in favor of that proposal, while three countries including India China were absent. The resolution was vetoed by Russia, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
However, it is not that India is supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On Wednesday, the International Court of Justice asked Russia to immediately stop its military activities in Ukraine. On this order, Indian judge Justice Dalveer Bhandari had voted against Russia, while the Chinese judge had said the opposite of the order. However, all the western countries including America are pressurizing India to support all the sanctions being imposed to inflict serious injury on Russia and break all ties themselves. Britain’s Deputy PM Dominic Raab has also called the Government of India regarding this. Last month, Raab said that we need to increase diplomatic pressure on Russia. For this, India and China will also have to come forward.
According to the news agency Reuters, British Trade Minister Anne Marie said that India is our big trading partner on the question related to the possible impact of India’s alleged soft attitude on trade relations with Britain amid efforts to isolate Russia. He is incredibly important to us. We are deeply disappointed by his stand on Russia. But we will keep working with India. If Russia is not able to deposit funds for this war, we will do everything possible for it.
