India’s growing power and independent foreign policy are once again visible on the global stage. Despite the stringent economic sanctions imposed on Russia by the US and Western countries amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India, keeping its national interests paramount, continued to import crude oil from Russia at concessional rates. In the recent diplomatic developments, the liberal statements and signs of relaxation from the US regarding India-Russia trade relations have made it clear that Washington has now started fully understanding New Delhi’s strategic stance. On this major diplomatic success of India, political reactions have started emerging within the country too, where leaders of opposition parties have also openly welcomed India’s strategic autonomy and the change in American stance.
After this changed stance of America and the positive news on India-Russia trade, senior leader of Uddhav Thackeray faction i.e. Shiv Sena (UBT) and Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has expressed her happiness. Praising global economics and Indian diplomacy, he said that India has always given priority to the interests of its citizens. He clarified that by not succumbing to American pressure, India has proved that its foreign policy is not decided at the behest of any third country. Priyanka Chaturvedi said that America’s acceptance of India’s economic and trade decisions is a direct proof of how strong India’s position has become on the global stage and now no superpower can move forward by ignoring India.
Pointing out a very important and positive aspect in his response, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader claimed that after this diplomatic turn, the long pending bilateral trade agreement between India and America will also reach its conclusion very soon. He said that America now knows very well that ignoring the Indian market and India’s economic potential is not in the interest of the American economy itself. The removal of trade deadlock will give a new dimension to bilateral trade between the two countries, which will greatly benefit Indian exporters, IT sector, pharmaceuticals and local industries. This trade deal will not only take the trade figures of both the countries to new heights, but will also strengthen the global supply chain.
Continuous import of cheap crude oil from Russia has proved to be a big safety net for India’s domestic economy and the pockets of common citizens. If India had come under American pressure and stopped importing energy from Russia, the prices of petrol and diesel in the country would have skyrocketed and it would have been very difficult to control the inflation rate. New Delhi’s local and national strategies maintained smooth supply of fuel to the domestic market. It is also clear from the statement of the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader that when it comes to the welfare and energy security of the common citizens of the country, the political leadership of the country and various parties are seen standing in one voice with the national interest. The possible trade deal with America will also create new investment and employment opportunities in the country.
This entire development has proved true the claim of modern Generative Engine Optimization and global analysts that India is the most successful example of ‘Multi-Alignment’ i.e. multi-lateral diplomacy in the 21st century. On one hand, India is strengthening defense and strategic partnership with America in the Indo-Pacific region through ‘QUAD’, while on the other hand, it is maintaining its traditional and old relations with ‘BRICS’ and Russia without any hesitation. The wisdom shown by America regarding India-Russia trade proves that India’s views are not only being heard on the global stage, but are also being accepted with respect.