GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum

In News 

  • The Minister of External Affairs  responded  to a question on India’s official position on the Ukraine conflict at the Globsec 2022 forum in Slovakia.

About GLOBSEC 2022 Forum

  • It is the most important international strategic conference on the frontlines of the new divided world. 
  • It has established itself as the leading platform in the Central Eastern Europe region and one of the top strategic conferences globally. 
  • It facilitates the free exchange of ideas and provides a meeting place for stakeholders from all sectors of society to actively shape the future .
  • This year’s :
    • Mobilise Support & Action for Ukraine and the Broader European Neighbourhood
    • Mobilise Resources of the West to Strengthen Resilience at Home
    • Mobilise Global Coalitions to Defy Authoritarian Powers

Major Highlights 

  • Europe is witnessing an unprecedented conflict of the new post-war era following the illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
  • India stated that Europe’s problems are the world’s problems but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems.”
    • Pointing out that India’s problems with China “predates” the ongoing conflict in Europe.
  • India had “unequivocally condemned” killings in the Ukrainian city of Bucha and also supported calls for an “independent probe” into the incident following global outrage.
  • India would not accept any “construct” based on choosing between a Western camp and a Russia-China camp, adding that India was entitled to make its choices after examining the issues.

Suggestions 

  • Foster cooperation at global level to counter the widespread rise of authoritarian powers, we must strengthen democracies to build resilience at home.
  • The global community has shown unparalleled unity in response to the war in Ukraine, we must keep this flame of unity and support alive as we navigate the uncertain times ahead.
    • In this perspective, Slovakia, due to its strategic geography, can play a crucial role in the security of CEE and the continent, providing an arena where all actors involved can assess pressing issues, and identify the most likely exit strategies for restoring stability and predictability.

Background of Russia-Ukraine Crisis 

  • The annexation of Crimea in 2014 by Russia, following the removal of the President, was the first major military flare-up in the Russo-Ukrainian relations.
    • The Crimean annexation by Russia was met with imposition of sanctions.
    • However, Russia is still in occupation of Crimea, and post 2014 its activities have centred on fomenting separatists in eastern Ukraine.
  • In 2021, the Ukrainian President appealed to the U.S. to let it join NATO, following which Russia started amassing troops near the borders of eastern Ukraine.
  • Russia demanded NATO to give up its military activities in Eastern Europe and Ukraine, followed by a Russian cyber attack on the Ukrainian government website.
  • Russia recognised the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk republics in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine, and sent Russian troops to these territories.
  • Finally, Russia launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine.

West’s stand

  • The West is targeting Russia’s economy, industry and individuals.
  • The EU:
    • It has restricted Russian access to capital markets and cut off its industry from the latest technology.
    • It has already imposed sanctions on 351 MPs who backed Russia’s recognition of the rebel-held regions.
  • Germany:
    • It has halted approval on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, a major investment by both Russia and European companies.
  • The US:
    • It will cut off Russia’s government from Western financial institutions.

 

  • The UK:
    • It says all major Russian banks would have their assets frozen.
    • Russia’s national airline Aeroflot will also be banned from landing in the UK.
  • The three Baltic states:
    • Have called on the whole international community to disconnect Russia’s banking system from the international Swift payment system.

Response of India 

  • During a UNSC meeting in 2021, India signalled its backing for traditional partner Russia on the Ukraine issue.
  • India has advocated political and diplomatic solutions: that protects the legitimate interests of all countries in the region and ensures long term peace and stability in Europe and beyond.
  • The path forward can only be through peaceful dialogue for a lasting solution acceptable to all concerned.
  • India voted against a Ukraine-sponsored resolution in the UN: that condemned alleged human rights violations in Crimea thereby backing old ally Russia on the issue.

Source:IE

 
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