Ukraine War and the Recalibration of India Russia Relations

Abstract

The Russia–Ukraine conflict has reshaped the global strategic environment, compelling India to reconsider the nature and scope of its long-standing partnership with Russia. This paper examines how the war has influenced India’s foreign policy decisions, particularly in balancing historical defense, political, and economic ties with Moscow against evolving strategic engagements with Western powers, regional partners, and international institutions. India’s response reflects a pragmatic approach rooted in national interest rather than ideological alignment. The study highlights how concerns related to energy security; defense procurement, trade diversification, and geopolitical stability have guided India’s cautious and calculated diplomatic posture. It also explores India’s efforts to maintain strategic autonomy while navigating pressures from both sides of the global divide. The paper assesses the implications of India’s position for its broader foreign policy framework, multilateral diplomacy, and global leadership aspirations. The analysis suggests that India’s recalibration represents continuity with adaptation of preserving core partnerships to shape new strategic alignments in an increasingly uncertain world order.