Russia's attack on Ukraine has unwittingly put India in a sweet position in the Indo-Pacific diplomatic area. As the war enters its fourth week, New Delhi has received the arrival of dignitaries from all over the world.
Quad
Launching CNBC International, India had delegates from the United States (US), Australia and Japan. The three countries are India's partners in the Quad, officially known as the Security Dialogue Quad.
Just like India runs uniformly with the Quad. India, however, has refused to condemn Russia's attack on Ukraine, including in four recent UN resolutions.
But the Quad seems to ignore that. India still needs to deepen cooperation in security, technology, and economic backing in the Indo-Pacific.
"There is a common understanding ... Each side sees the European conflict should not be the reason that separates us from the main focus of the Indo Pacific," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said defending Indian police on Russia-Ukraine, quoted Thursday (24/3/). 2022).
Not only Quad, important figures from other countries also keep coming to India. Greek foreign minister Nikos Dendias, for example, visited India last Tuesday and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is also scheduled to visit India in early April.
China
The surprise also came from India's traditional rival, China. The country is making an offer to Bollywood today, seeking New Delhi's approval for Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit.
China and India are known to be sworn enemies because of their territorial claims in Ladakh. In 2020, clashes took place that left 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops dead.
This is related to the annual meeting of leaders of China, India, Brazil, Russia and South Africa (South Africa) which will be held in China this year. It is hoped that the China-India-Russia meeting will hold its own special meeting.
China will also provide a proposal for cooperation in the India-China Civilization Dialogue held by the two countries. The India-China Investment Cooperation and Trade Forum will also be created.
"China and India share common interests in many areas. For example, the West recently accused India of reportedly considering buying Russian oil at a discount. But that is India's legitimate right," wrote the Global Times, the state-run media outlet.
Russia
The latest is Russia. The country which is now an enemy of the West because of the attack on Ukraine is getting closer and closer. Russia, India's trusted arms supplier for decades, is now also a supplier of cheap crude to New Delhi.
Initially, two oil and gas companies from India, namely Indian Oil Corp (IOC) and Hindustan Petroleum, decided to buy cheap Russian oil prices because they got big discounts. This time, India's private oil refinery company, Nayara Energy, has also purchased Russian oil.
Nayara bought about 1.8 million barrels of Russian Ural oil from trader Trafigura, as quoted by Reuters, Wednesday (23/03/2022). This purchase was made after one year the company did not buy this Russian oil.
Not without reason this company buys oil from Russia. This is because some of the shares of this company are also owned by the oil and gas giant from Russia, Rosneft.
The discount was given by Russia after buyers from the United States and Europe avoided oil from Moscow due to sanctions against Russia. This is due to his attack on Ukraine since February 24, 2022.
Nayara, in which trader Trafigura and Russia's VTB Bank also have shares, operates a 400,000 barrel per day (bpd) oil refinery in Vadinar, western Gujarat state, and previously purchased Ural oil in March 2021, Refinitiv data shows.
What is India's Value?
A number of observers assess India is considered a big country in Asia. In fact, the only one who can fight China.
"India is currently in an enviable position due to years of careful diplomacy," said Aparna Pande, a South Asia expert at the Hudson Institute, a Washington DC think tank.
"The US and its partners in Europe and Asia, need India on their side in the long-term competition with China. Therefore, they better understand India's predicament."
However, Pande warned that India's attitude towards Russia could be a trap. Because this doesn't suit the global majority.
Another analyst from the Rand Corporation, a think tank headquartered in Santa Monica, California, USA, Bruce Bennett also reminded India. He questioned how India wanted to be known.
"(Whether) As a principled state or a nationalist state. ... Whether it was Russia that invaded Ukraine or China that attacked parts of India," he said.
"If India decides to stay 'sitting on the fence' to maximize influence ... I think a lot of people around the world will lose sympathy."