As the world’s geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, India’s position and its response to international conflicts have become increasingly significant. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Ukraine, the spotlight is once again on India’s diplomatic approach, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a recent interview with Rudroneel Ghosh, Jurgen Hardt, a German MP and the foreign policy spokesperson for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), shared his perspectives on various global issues and India’s role in them.
The Ukraine Conflict: A Call for Clear Action
Jurgen Hardt emphasized the importance of holding Russia accountable in the Ukraine conflict, which is now in its third year. According to Hardt, the international community’s demands on Russia are straightforward: respect Ukraine’s borders and commit to non-aggression. However, he noted that Russia’s willingness to negotiate has been hindered by its leadership, specifically President Vladimir Putin. Hardt suggested that the only way to bring Putin to the negotiating table is by making him and his inner circle fear significant losses, such as the potential loss of Crimea. He believes that if Putin perceives a real risk of failure, he may choose to declare victory prematurely and cease hostilities, which could then pave the way for a more durable peace.
However, Hardt also pointed out the challenges in achieving this outcome. The international community, he argues, must work towards ensuring that Putin fails in his objectives, as this is the only path to a genuine and lasting peace. The implication here is that countries like India, which hold significant global influence, could play a more assertive role in pushing for an end to the conflict by clearly stating their stance on the violation of international law.
The Future of EU-Russia Relations
On the broader topic of EU-Russia relations, Hardt expressed a pragmatic yet cautious approach. He acknowledged that no one in Europe wanted to sever ties with Russia entirely, but the actions of the Putin government have made it impossible to continue cooperation under the current regime. The legitimacy of Putin’s government, in terms of democratic principles and rule of law, has been widely questioned. Hardt reflected on the past efforts to integrate Russia into the European framework through economic partnerships, particularly in the energy sector, but admitted that these strategies failed due to Putin’s resistance to the rule of law.
This historical context is crucial as it highlights the challenges in engaging with Russia under its current leadership. For India, which maintains a neutral stance in global conflicts, this raises the question of how it balances its relationships with major powers while upholding international law and principles of democracy.
U.S. Elections and Trans-Atlantic Relations
Discussing the upcoming U.S. elections, Hardt warned of the potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency and the implications it could have for Trans-Atlantic relations. He noted that during Trump’s first term, it took time for the administration to articulate its demands on Europe, but he expects a more assertive approach from day one if Trump were to win again. Despite the challenges Trump posed, Hardt mentioned that Europe managed to negotiate with his administration, citing the example of securing the automobile industry in exchange for importing American soybeans.
This pragmatic approach to U.S. relations could be instructive for India, as it navigates its own complex relationships with global superpowers. Understanding the dynamics of U.S. foreign policy under different administrations is vital for India as it continues to assert its role on the world stage.
China’s Economic Strategy: A Global Concern
Regarding China, Hardt acknowledged the increasing weaponization of economic interdependencies by Beijing. He agreed that China’s trade policy has become more aggressive, but also pointed out that China needs stable trade relations to maintain its internal social contract. Hardt suggested that the international community, including the U.S., G7, Germany, and India, should work together to establish reciprocity in trade relations with China. For instance, if China can invest in a port in Hamburg, why shouldn’t other nations have similar opportunities in Shanghai?
This approach to dealing with China reflects a broader strategy of collective action, which India could be a part of. By collaborating with like-minded nations, India can help shape a more balanced global economic landscape.
India’s Role in Global Geopolitics
Finally, Hardt addressed India’s role in global geopolitics. As one of the world’s top five economies, alongside Germany, India has the potential to take a more active role in international affairs. While respecting India’s traditional neutral and non-aligned stance, Hardt urged the country to not shy away from speaking out when international law is violated, as in the case of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized that international law is universal and not a Western construct, and that India’s voice is crucial in upholding these global norms.
In conclusion, Hardt’s insights underscore the importance of India’s role in the current geopolitical climate. As a rising global power, India’s decisions and statements on issues like the Ukraine conflict, EU-Russia relations, U.S. foreign policy, and China’s economic strategies carry significant weight. By clearly articulating its stance on the breaking of international law, India can contribute to a more just and stable world order.