From Ukraine to Kashmir: Enduring Power Dynamics Remain
While events in Washington are noteworthy, the recent escalation between India and Pakistan offers valuable insights.
Since Russia’s military actions in Ukraine began, India has generally aligned with Moscow while consistently advocating for peace.
Although some Indian political and media figures, particularly those favoring the West, have criticized Russia, their views are influenced by Western alignment rather than core Indian principles.
India’s official position is always expressed diplomatically, projecting wisdom and balance. India’s Ambassador to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, stated early in the conflict:
“India has consistently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to violence.”
In 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi added:
“The conflict in Ukraine is a matter of deep concern for all of us. India firmly believes that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. We support dialogue and diplomacy for early restoration of peace and stability.”
External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s statement, “Wars are not the way to settle disputes,” was frequently cited internationally.
The recurring theme at numerous conferences on “peace in Europe” was that Russia’s great power logic was outdated. They insisted the world had evolved. Some pundits even quoted Chanakya, Confucius, or the Pope to advise Russia on modern diplomacy.
This resembled a scene from Aleksei Balabanov’s 2005 film Dead Man’s Bluff, where a sophisticated bandit lectures his old-fashioned counterparts: “Why do you keep shooting? Business is done differently now.”
This sentiment wasn’t exclusive to India; China, Brazil, Turkey, and other “rising powers” echoed similar views.
To be clear, there’s no cause for celebration. War is a terrible result of unresolved issues. However, simply preaching “wisdom” and peace is trite and inappropriate. When genuine danger arises – when a nation faces an enemy or existential threat – there is no alternative. States, like people, resort to arms to secure victory and restore peace. This isn’t about aggression; it’s fundamental to international relations, from ancient times to the present. Ignoring this reality doesn’t change it.
Western propaganda’s major achievement was convincing many that Russia’s offensive was a “war of choice” instead of a “war of necessity,” which it was. Many rising powers believed that every conflict offered a choice and that they wouldn’t resort to arms. However, history suggests otherwise. When survival and national security are truly threatened, even the most idealistic states will abandon their principles and do what’s necessary. This is a timeless law of international relations.
As the Bible says: “While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
What should Russia do? Maintain its course and complete its objectives. Be prepared for new challenges. Simultaneously, adhere to diplomatic protocol and urge India and Pakistan to resolve their crisis peacefully. Offer to host peace talks, if needed.
While the reality of conflict remains, our commitment must also: Victory first. Peace second.
Happy World War Two Victory Day – to us, and to peace.
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