India has secured its interests successfully!

With the present global situation and chaos (the Ukraine-Russia conflict), I believe India has done a fine job in transforming this crisis into an opportunity. India, however, must not stop here. It must work consistently to secure its interests. 

When Putin invaded Ukraine, India was dragged into a global crisis, which was not of its making, but has an intimate relationship with the conflict's protagonists. India has very little influence over the course of a conflict, much less the ability to halt it. 

With the procurement of the S-400 missile system, India has demonstrated its independence to the rest of the world. From abstaining from voting in the UN, India has signaled to all the countries, that it has the ability and power to make choices on its own and in its own interests. At the same time, however, India has made sure that Russia does not take it for granted. It has let Russia and the world know that Russian actions are in violation of the established norms and that Putin's decision is unsustainable. India has reached out to Volodymyr Zelensky to provide humanitarian assistance.

India's primary challenge in this battle is to maintain the balance by making it apparent that India opposes Russian operations while maintaining Moscow's backing and neutrality. It must also remain clear eyed about Beijing's abilities and intentions. 

As for United states, India has made it clear to the US in private meetings in Washington that it does not support Russia's activities, but has also highlighted its position in terms of interests, which the US knows very well. The US has made an offer to counter India's reliance on Russia with better defence relations, and its assertive attitude to China and commitment to the Indo-Pacific region demonstrates that the glue that holds the two countries together is stronger than what divides them.

The situation, however, is highly fluid at the moment, and events could change courses at any point. So India cannot afford to be complacent. India must retain its initiatives by continuing its internal policy adjustments, expanding its outreach, and keeping its objectives and priorities in line with its capabilities.