This is the Russia-Ukraine lesson India has to learn from its standoff with Pakistan
There is plenty to say about the chaos unfolding in Washington these days, but the sudden military escalation between India and Pakistan shifts our attention elsewhere - and provides some useful lessons.
Since the start of Russia's military operation against Ukraine, India's official stance has generally aligned with Moscow's interests. Yet it has consistently stressed the importance of peace.
While many in India's political and media elite - especially the pro-Western crowd - have criticized Russia, their views have been shaped by alignment with the West, not by deeper national principles.
India's official line, however, has always been dressed in polished diplomatic language, designed to project wisdom and balance. Early in the conflict, India's Ambassador to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, said:
"India has consistently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to violence."
Fast forward to 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi added:
"The conflict in Ukraine is a matter of deep concern for all of us. India firmly believes that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. We support dialogue and diplomacy for early restoration of peace and stability."
And of course, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar offered a soundbite which was repeated endlessly in international forums:
"Wars are not the way to settle disputes."
The consistent refrain at countless conferences about "peace in Europe" boiled down to this: Russia was old-fashioned, clinging to outdated great power logic. The world had moved on, they insisted. And inevitably, some "public intellectual" would spice things up with a quote from Chanakya, Confucius, or even the Pope - advising Russia on how real diplomacy should look today.
It was all reminiscent of a famous scene in Aleksei Balabanov's 2005 movie Dead Man's Bluff, where a bandit from the polished 2000s lectures his 1990s Russian counterparts: "Why do you keep shooting? Business is done differently now."
It wasn't just the Indians who pushed this line. The Chinese, Brazilians, Turks (yes, them too), and other so-called "rising powers" repeated similar mantras.
Now, let's be clear: no one should gloat. War is a terrifying and extreme manifestation of unresolved contradictions. However, to pontificate about "wisdom" and peace as if it's a fresh insight is banal - and, frankly, vulgar. Because when real danger arrives - when an enemy or existential threat targets your home - there is no high-minded choice left. States, like individuals, take up arms and fight for victory in order to restore peace. That's not bloodlust; it's the basic logic of international relations, from ancient kingdoms to today's global order. You can deny it, but you can't make it disappear.
Western propaganda's greatest success over the past three years was convincing much of the world that Russia's offensive was a "war of choice" rather than a "war of necessity" - which it was. Many in the so-called rising powers naively believed that every conflict offers a choice, and that they themselves would never resort to arms. But history teaches otherwise. When survival and national security are truly at stake, even the most idealistic states will - without even realizing it - abandon their slogans and do whatever is necessary. That, too, is a timeless law of international life.
As the Bible reminds us: "While people are saying, 'Peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape" (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
What should Russia do now? Stay the course - finish what we started. And be prepared for new challenges on other fronts. At the same time, we should follow diplomatic protocol and call on India and Pakistan to resolve their crisis peacefully. We can even offer to host peace talks, if needed.
Because while the reality of conflict remains unchanged, so too must our commitment: Victory first. Peace second.
Happy World War Two Victory Day - to us, and to peace.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
a few seconds ago
- India.com
Is J&K Getting Statehood Back? Flurry Of Secret Meetings Spark Speculations Ahead Of Article 370 Abrogation Anniversary
New Delhi/Srinagar: Six years after the abrogation of Article 370, a flurry of closed-door meetings between India's top leadership and the President of India has triggered speculation about the possible restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. The timing of the meetings, ahead of August 5 (the Article 370 abrogation anniversary), has fuelled further speculation across political circles and online platforms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 3, but no official statement was released following the meeting. That same evening, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also visited the President for a one-on-one discussion. The back-to-back nature of these visits, both unaccompanied by formal press releases, caught the attention of observers. The buzz intensified as Shah separately held a series of other meetings. Among those he met were Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Sat Sharma, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta and All J&K Shia Association President Imran Raza Ansari. These interactions came as the Centre reportedly firmed up plans for a key National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs' meeting scheduled for today (August 5). While no official agenda has been made public, the sequence of developments has set off widespread speculation that a major policy announcement regarding Jammu and Kashmir could be on the horizon, possibly including a legislative step towards restoring statehood. Social Media and Analysts React Social media users and political commentators have been quick to pick up the signals. Retired Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon, widely followed by key defence leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cautioned against haste. 'There is a lot of speculation about what may be announced on August 5. The peace in Kashmir has come at a great cost. We should not rush into any hasty decision. The consolidation phase is still going on,' Dhillon wrote on X (formerly Twitter). There is a lot of speculation about what may be announced tomorrow (5th Aug). The peace in Kashmir has come about at a great cost of human lives of security forces personnel and innocent civilians. It's fragile still as was evident from the Pahalgam terror attack. For the sake… — KJS DHILLON (@TinyDhillon) August 4, 2025 Six years after abrogation of #Article370, #Kashmir is undergoing a historic transformation. From record tourism to world-class infrastructure, J&K is no longer trapped in inertia. The Chenab Rail Bridge, AIIMS, Vande Bharat, & Smart Cities— KASHMIR BADAL RAHA HAI!@TinyDhillon — Sehrish Bashir (@SehrishB_) August 4, 2025 Geopolitical analyst Arti Tikoo Singh echoed similar concerns. She said there was widespread chatter about the potential division of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate states. 'Strong rumours are circulating that the Centre might grant statehood. What is even more bizarre is that rumour mills are suggesting that Kashmir and Jammu will be separated and reorganised. If either is true, nothing could be more disastrous,' she said. Strong rumours are circulating in Jammu & Kashmir that the Centre may grant statehood to the Union Territory on the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. That is, tomorrow. What's even more bizarre is that rumour mills are suggesting that Kashmir and Jammu will be… — Aarti Tikoo Singh (@AartiTikoo) August 4, 2025 Another user wrote, 'Is GOI going to give J&K complete statehood? It would be surprising and ill-timed.' Is GOI going to give J&K complete statehood? It would be surprising, and ill timed. 5th August is already historic enough. The government has no need to be compulsive about doing something historic every 5th of August. Give 5 more years at least to settle down things in J&K. — MIMAMSA (@MimamsaSutras) August 4, 2025 Govt. may avoid needless rush in decision that may undo whatever gain has been made. @TinyDhillon knows abt J&K much more than many politicians. — Chandrahas Shetty. (@chan_sim) August 4, 2025 Absolutely bang on target EVER IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS PLEASE READ THIS TWEET... IT'S FEELING OF WHOLE NATION... — Aditya Sharma (@adisonu31may) August 4, 2025 The Long Road Since August 5, 2019 On August 5, 2019, the Centre abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The region's special constitutional status was scrapped and its legislative powers were transferred to the Centre under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019. Since then, both Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah have repeatedly spoken about restoring statehood, but no formal timeline has been offered. In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370 and asked the Centre to restore statehood 'at the earliest'. The government, in response, assured the court that it would do so. But no concrete move has followed. The demand for statehood regained momentum in 2024 after Assembly elections were held for the first time in over 10 years. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, in alliance with the Congress, pressed for full restoration of statehood. The April 22 Pahalgam attack momentarily dampened the campaign, but the Congress resumed its demand during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, including a protest at Jantar Mantar. Will Fresh Elections Be Part of the Deal? Reports also suggest that the Centre might tie the restoration of statehood to the holding of fresh Assembly elections, replacing the current UT-based legislative structure. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commented on this possibility in June. 'I have read that statehood will be restored, but Assembly elections would have to be held afresh. Let them do it, who has stopped them?' he told reporters. For now, the series of meetings and rising political chatter signal that a major announcement regarding Jammu and Kashmir may not be far off. But until an official word comes, statehood remains an open question and one that continues to stir political and public debate.
India.com
a few seconds ago
- India.com
US tightens rules for issuing Green Cards with focus on married couples; how will it affect Indians?
(Representational image: New Delhi: America has tightened the rules for issuing green cards for married couples. The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has issued a guideline in this regard. It talks about tightening the scrutiny of family-based immigrant visa applications, especially marriage-based applications. Its purpose is to eliminate fraudulent claims and ensure that green cards are approved only based on genuine relationships. This decision will also have a direct impact on Indian citizens, as Indians make up a large number of foreigners living in America. When were the new rules implemented? The new rules regarding green cards have come into effect on August 1. It also applies to all pending and newly filed petitions. USCIS has said that fraudulent visa petitions undermine confidence in family-based methods of obtaining lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. In such a situation, we are committed to keeping Americans safe by detecting foreigners with bad intentions. What are the new changes? The new guidelines tighten strict scrutiny and documentation processes. These include improved eligibility checks and adjudication processes for family-based petitions. Clear documentation along with photos, shared financial details and family affidavits will be required to prove a bona fide marriage. Couples will also undergo mandatory personal interviews, aimed at evaluating the authenticity of the relationship. Along with this, there will be a thorough scrutiny of immigration history. USCIS has added more stringent checks to its policy, especially for applicants who are already in the US on other visas and seek status adjustment through marriage. If a US citizen sponsors a foreign spouse, such as someone from India, then the couple will now have to provide solid proof of a bona fide relationship. What is the Green Card? The Green Card is officially called the US Permanent Resident Card. It is proof of the right to live and work permanently in the USA. It looks like a plastic card. It contains the person's information, photo, and fingerprints. The Green Card holder is considered a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR).
New Indian Express
a few seconds ago
- New Indian Express
Russia urges caution in nuclear 'rhetoric' after Trump's comments
Russia urged caution on Monday after US President Donald Trump said he would deploy two nuclear submarines following an online row with former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. Trump said he had ordered the deployment in response to what he alleged were highly provocative comments by Medvedev, saying the submarines would be positioned in "appropriate regions". Trump did not say whether he meant nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. He also did not elaborate on the locations, which are kept secret by the US military. "Russia is very attentive to the topic of nuclear non-proliferation. And we believe that everyone should be very, very cautious with nuclear rhetoric," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, including from AFP, on Monday. The row between Medvedev and Trump erupted against the backdrop of the US leader's ultimatum for Russia to end its military offensive in Ukraine or face fresh economic sanctions, including on its remaining trading partners. Medvedev -- one of Russia's most prominent anti-Western hawks -- accused Trump of "playing the ultimatum game" and said that Trump "should remember" that Russia was a formidable force. "Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country," he said. Medvedev, who has not posted on social media since the spat, is currently the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council. He served one term as president from 2008 to 2012, effectively acting as a placeholder for Putin, who was able to circumvent constitutional term limits and de facto remain in power. The chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday backed Trump's actions. "The concept of peace through strength works," Andriy Yermak wrote on social media. "The moment American nuclear submarines appeared, one Russian drunk -- who had just been threatening nuclear war on X -- suddenly went silent."
