India’s quest for security and its neutrality in the Russia–Ukraine war

ABSTRACT This article argues that the Modi government in India is reluctant to publicly condemn Russia for invading Ukraine because it believes Russia can play an important role in meeting/enhancing India’s security. India is hugely dependent on Russian arms and Moscow is willing to provide advanced military equipment, transfer technology, and partake in co-production and co-development of weapon systems, which other countries are unwilling to do. Moreover, in India’s strategic calculus, non-condemnation of Russia will strengthen India–Russia bilateral ties and reduce India’s insecurity by preventing Moscow from establishing stronger relations with China and Pakistan, which are threats to India’s national security and territorial integrity and sovereignty.