India’s tradition of military non-alignment has come under huge strain with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The world’s second most populous country has tried to maintain a neutral stance, but has come under sharp criticism from the West as casualties from the conflict mount. 

What explains India’s stance, and what does it hope to achieve? Harsh Pant, International relations professor at Kings College London’s India Institute, joins Arthur Snell to discuss.

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• “This crisis has exposed India’s vulnerabilities, they’re very reliant on Russia for their defence capabilities.”
• “As this conflict has dragged on, the Indian Government has become increasingly uncomfortable with its position.”
• “Ironically India is the only country that needs both Russia and the West on its side.”
• “The Covid period showed that over reliance on China is not healthy.”
• “Russia and China getting together is perhaps one of the worst nightmares for India.”
• “India is drifting away from Russia and towards the West, that is a long-term trend.”

DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters production.

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