Western nations have joined hands to adopt a hard stance against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
For instance, the U.S. has sanctioned two of Russia's largest banks and also blocked other major Russian financial institutions. The world's largest economy has banned these banks from trading with Americans and frozen their U.S. assets, dealing a big blow to the European nation's financial system.
India Downplays Reaction: A few nations, however, have steered clear of the turmoil and have either remained neutral or covertly sided behind Russia.
India, the second most populous country after China, has not made its position very clear, perhaps due to its long-standing camaraderie with the eastern European country.
Speaking at the U.N. Security Council, India's permanent representative at the world body said earlier this week the country is watching the developments along Ukraine's border and Russia's recognition of separatist states in the Donbas region with "deep concern."
Ahead of this, in late January, when the UNSC called for voting on whether it should take up discussion of the Ukrainian situation as a threat to international peace and security, India abstained from voting.
India did not condemn or denounce Russia's unilateral actions.
India's silence on the issue irked Ukraine so much so that the country's ambassador to India, Igor Polikha, said the country is "deeply dissatisfied" with India's stance on the Russian aggression.
In a desperate plea, the ambassador went on to suggest that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be among the leaders to whom Putin may listen.
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What's Behind India's Inaction? Not only is Russia an age-old friend of India, the European nation is also among India's biggest defense suppliers.
India could be risking its security if it chooses to join Russia's detractors, especially at a time it is at odds with two of its neighbors, namely China and Pakistan.
Another aspect that is restraining India could be the recent friendship it has forged with the U.S. The two nations have a common enemy in China and this has brought both countries closer than ever before.
India may also be dreading a situation similar to what is occurring in Ukraine. A successful splintering of the separatist regions in Ukraine could embolden China and Pakistan to occupy the India territories they claim to be theirs.
