What Is The Objective And Aim Of Russia to Invade Ukraine? Why Did India Abstain From Voting in The United Nations?
After the end of World War II, the world was divided into two groups. USA and Russia emerged as the two superpowers, and it resulted in a cold war to retain supremacy.
The scenario changed after the break-up of Soviet union in 1991. On December 25, 1991, the Soviet Union disintegrated. At that time 15 new countries were created on the borders of Russia.
- These 15 countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan , Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
A few of the countries which were formed out of Soviet Union joined the league of NATO countries. — In 2004 Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined NATO. — Ukraine also wanted to join the group of NATO countries, but Russia opposed and prevented this move.
- If Ukraine had joined the NATO Countries, it would have implied that NATO forces including the USA would be sitting right on the Russian borders, in case of any war.
- If Russia has to regain the earlier status of a super-power, then the only solution was to prevent Ukraine from joining the NATO forces and further break-up Ukraine into smaller countries by recognizing Donetsk and Luhansk as independent countries.
There is now a full-fledged war between Russia and Ukraine since 24 Feb, 2022 with massive damage to property and killing of soldiers and civilians from both sides.
What is India’s stand in the United Nations?
- India abstained from voting taken in the UN Security Council to call for a rare special emergency session of the UN General Assembly on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. India suggested that a solution to the problem should be found by talks between the two countries.
- The resolution had 11 votes in favour. — India, China and the UAE abstained from voting. — Russia voted against the resolution and Russia has the veto power to make the resolution ineffective.
- India has strong ties with Russia and Indian Army, Navy and Air-force has inducted a lot of warfare machinery and weaponry from Russia.
Russia has always helped India in times of crisis. In the 1971 India-Pakistan war, USA supported Pakistan and sent its powerful fleet of ships in the Indian Ocean. To counteract this, Russia supported India and sent its powerful Navy fleet, and thus interference by outside countries was prevented.
Lessons from the Mahabharata War fought more than 5,000 years ago:
Mahabharata war was fought fiercely between the Pandavas and Kauravas forces, more than 5000 years ago which resulted in massive destruction and loss of lives from both sides. Wars between countries are continuing in the modern times also, due to various reasons.
What did Lord Sri Krishna say to Arjuna once the war is declared:
But if you refuse to fight this righteous war, then abandoning your own duty and honour, you will incur sin. (Book: Word of God Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2 verse 33)
अथ चैत्त्वमिमं धर्म्यं संग्रामं न करिष्यसि।
ततः स्वधर्मं कीर्तिं च हित्वा पापमवाप्स्यसि।। (2:33)
Besides, people will ever recount your infamy and cowardice; and to one who is highly esteemed and respected, ill-fame is worse than death. (2:34)
अकीर्तिं चापि भूतानि कथयिष्यन्ति तेऽव्ययाम्।
संभावितस्य चाकीर्तिर्मरणादतिरिच्यते।। (2:34)
They will think that the great chariot-warrior has fled from the battlefield out of fear, and those who hold you in high esteem will look down upon you. (2:35)
भयाद्रणादुपरतं मंस्यन्ते त्वां महारथाः।
येषां च त्वं बहुमतो भूत्वा यास्यसि लाघवम्।। (2:35)
Your enemies will speak many insulting and unseemly words, and will discredit your powers and capabilities. What could be more painful and insulting than that? (2:36)
अवाच्यवादांश्च बहून् वदिष्यन्ति तवाहिताः।
निन्दन्तस्तव सामर्थ्यं ततो दुःखतरं नु किम्।। (2:36)
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Ajay Gupta
