The US and Russia Compete Fiercely for Influence in the 'Gray Zone' India

Published 30 Mar.2022 19:01(KST)

US and Russian Senior Officials Visit India in Succession

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-ho Kim] Amid the tense standoff between Russia and the Western world triggered by the Ukraine crisis, India, which remains in the 'gray zone' without taking sides, is drawing attention. The United States and Russia have launched intense courting campaigns to win India's favor.

According to Indian media such as The Hindu on the 30th (local time), senior officials from the United States and Russia will hold discussions related to the Ukraine crisis in the Indian capital, New Delhi, one day apart.

First, Dalip Singh, U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor at the White House, will hold talks with Indian government officials on the 31st. The U.S. White House stated in a press release the previous day that Deputy Advisor Singh will visit India to discuss Russia's unjust war against Ukraine and ways to mitigate the shock to the global economy.

India has not joined the sanctions against Russia despite pressure led by the West. In particular, although India is a member of the security consultative group led by the U.S. (Quad), it has remained silent on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Moreover, India abstained from voting on the resolution condemning Russia at the United Nations General Assembly and recently began importing Russian crude oil. Therefore, from the U.S. perspective, it is necessary to firmly secure India as an ally to build a robust sanction network against Russia.

Following the U.S., on the 1st of next month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to meet with Indian government officials in New Delhi. This meeting is noteworthy as Russia, facing difficulties due to strong Western sanctions, needs to firmly bring India to its side to ease its burden.