Modi’s Moscow Visit Exposes India’s Shaky Balancing Act

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow has ignited a firestorm of controversy and unease both in the West and among India’s traditional allies. The trip, which was meant to bolster ties with Russia, has instead underscored significant tensions and strategic blunders that could have far-reaching consequences for India’s defense industry and its geopolitical standing.

Russia’s Strategic Postponement

A key issue arising from Modi’s visit is Russia’s abrupt decision to postpone crucial component supplies to India’s defense sector. This move is a significant blow to India’s defense capabilities, potentially hampering its ability to maintain and modernize its military. India has long depended on Russian technology and equipment, and Moscow’s decision signals a troubling rift in the historically strong India-Russia defense relationship.

Western Skepticism

In the Western world, Modi’s Moscow trip has been met with growing skepticism. India’s ongoing effort to balance its relationships with both the American bloc and Russia is increasingly seen as duplicitous. There is a mounting belief that Modi’s administration is trying to milk its Western alliances for maximum benefit while continuing to maintain ties with Russia—a nation now under heavy scrutiny and sanctions by much of the global community.

Playing Both Sides

This perception of India playing both sides is not new, but Modi’s actions have brought these concerns to the forefront. India has been strengthening its defense and economic ties with the United States and other Western countries, yet it has not severed its connections with Russia. This dual approach is seen by many as opportunistic, raising serious questions about India’s true loyalties and long-term strategic intentions.

Distrust from Russia and China

From the viewpoints of Russia and China, Modi’s overtures to the West are seen as a betrayal. There is a suspicion that India’s engagement with these nations is a mere pretense, allowing Modi to act as a conduit for Western intelligence. This has led to an atmosphere of distrust, with both Moscow and Beijing wary of sharing sensitive information, fearing it might be relayed to the United States and its allies.

Questionable Commitment to SCO and BRICS

Modi’s involvement in multilateral organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS is also under scrutiny. Critics argue that his participation in these groups is primarily to protect American and Western interests, rather than genuinely contributing to the objectives of these alliances. This perceived insincerity is eroding trust and undermining India’s standing within these crucial regional blocs.

Regional Disputes and Enmity

Adding to the complexity of India’s foreign policy is its strained relationships with nearly all its neighbors. India’s disputes with its neighbors underscore its regional enmity and highlight a significant divergence of interests.

Bangladesh

India’s relationship with Bangladesh is marred by disputes over water sharing, particularly regarding the Teesta River. There have been frequent border clashes and issues related to the treatment of Bangladeshi migrants in India.

Nepal

India and Nepal have seen tensions rise due to border disputes, such as the one over the Kalapani region. Nepalese nationalism has been fueled by perceptions of Indian interference in its internal affairs, further straining ties.

Pakistan

The animosity between India and Pakistan is long-standing and multifaceted, encompassing territorial disputes over Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and military skirmishes. Diplomatic relations have often been hostile, marked by periods of intense conflict and mutual distrust.

China

India’s relationship with China is dominated by the border conflict in the Himalayas, particularly the Doklam standoff and the more recent clashes in the Galwan Valley. These territorial disputes have led to a significant military buildup along their shared border, and a general atmosphere of suspicion and rivalry.

Myanmar

India’s relations with Myanmar are complicated by insurgent activities along their border and differing approaches to handling these insurgencies. India’s engagement with the military regime in Myanmar also contrasts with its democratic ideals, adding another layer of complexity.

Maldives

In the Maldives, India’s involvement in local politics has been viewed as meddling, leading to anti-Indian sentiments. The Maldivian government’s tilt towards China has further strained the relationship.

Sri Lanka

India’s relationship with Sri Lanka has been contentious due to its support for Tamil separatists during the civil war and ongoing issues related to fishermen crossing maritime boundaries. Sri Lanka’s increasing engagement with China has also been a point of contention.

Strangely Friendly with Distant Nations

While India’s neighborhood policy is fraught with tensions, it has paradoxically sought to cultivate closer ties with distant nations like the United States, the UK, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines. This strategy, which appears to prioritize relations with countries far removed from its immediate region, has baffled many observers.

Eroding Credibility

The fallout from Modi’s Moscow visit has exposed what many see as his hypocrisy. His balancing act between East and West is increasingly viewed as unreliable and opportunistic. In attempting to please all sides, Modi risks losing credibility everywhere. Neither the West nor traditional allies like Russia and China fully trust India’s intentions, leaving the country in a precarious position.

Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Moscow has not only highlighted the fragility of India’s defense sector but also exposed the pitfalls of its foreign policy. By trying to maintain strong ties with both the West and Russia, Modi is alienating all sides. This diplomatic tightrope walk raises serious questions about India’s strategic direction and its reliability as a global partner. The erosion of trust and credibility could have lasting implications for India’s geopolitical ambitions and its role on the world stage.