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India’s dilemma in the war: Relations between Russia, Ukraine and India explained

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Vishwa Thacker – Mumbai Uncensored, 25th February 2022

The hottest news all around the world today is Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. There are as many opinions as there are people on what stand India should take in this conflict.

Why is India silent? On what side will India stand if war really becomes inevitable? Well, no one can quite predict the answers to these questions yet. But what we can do is, look at the relations between these three countries, and how we go way back with them.

 Relations between India and Russia

We have bilateral relations with Russia. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union between 1988-1991, India maintained a cordial relationship with Russia and shared a special relationship. This is termed as a “special and privileged strategic partnership”. 

Our relationship with Russia covers five areas: defence, anti-terrorism cooperation, politics, space and civil nuclear energy. Both countries are also working towards a free trade agreement. Bilateral trade between us shot up to 24% in 2012.

India is heavily dependent on Russia for its military supplies. 60% to 70% of our military hardware comes from Russia. A BBC World Service Poll of 2014 says that more than 85% of Russians view India positively.

Relations between India and Ukraine

In January 1992, India established diplomatic relations with Ukraine. In 1992, India established an Indian embassy in Kyiv and Ukraine established theirs in New Delhi in February 1993. 

After Russia, Ukraine is our second-largest trade partner. Between 2003-2005, there has been a 3x increase in our trade with Ukraine. 

We have signed more than 17 bilateral agreements with Ukraine which covers areas of Cooperation in Space Research, Avoidance Of Double Taxation and Promotion, Protection of Investments etc. 

Even when Ukraine was a part of the Soviet Union, India enjoyed friendly political relations with Ukraine. We have been positively cooperating with each other at international levels. Ukraine supports India on the resolution of the issue of J&K on the basis of the Simla Agreement. 

India is worried about its 20,000 students and nationals who live in Ukraine.

What happens if India supports Ukraine?

After the disintegration of the USSR, Russia and China have maintained positive relations. In 2001, both countries signed the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, a treaty with economic and military cooperation. 

Both countries, as of 2019, felt serious grievances with the United States. Chinese relations with the USA were tense because of the matter of control of the South China Sea, trade policies, and technology policy. 

As for Russia, it is upset about severe economic penalties imposed by Europe and the USA for Russia’s seizure of Ukraine’s Crimea. 

Both countries enjoy an informal agreement to coordinate economic and diplomatic moves and they’ve successfully built an alliance against the USA. 

It is common knowledge that China and India have conflicted on border issues resulting in three military conflicts – the Sino-Indian War of 1962, the border clashes in Nathu La and Cho La in 1967, and the 1987 Sumdorong Chu standoff.

In 2013, these issues re-emerged. In 2018, there was a dispute at the Doklam plateau along the disputed Bhutan-China border. In 2020, we lost 20 soldiers in the Galwan valley.

If there is a full-fledged war, and India supports Ukraine, there are high chances we’ll fight with our border enemy China.

What happens if India supports Russia?

As established above, China and the USA do not see eye to eye. Since 1949, their relationship has been complex. Under the rule of former President Donald Trump, the relationship deteriorated regarding the issues of China’s militarization of the South China Sea.

Soon after, the US launched a trade war and prohibited US companies from trading in Huawei. By May 2020, the relationship worsened as both countries recruited allies against each other and guilt-tripped for the COVID-19 pandemic.

As for Ukraine, the USA is a friend. It supported Ukraine’s bid to join NATO in 2009. Ukrainians view the USA positively according to surveys. More than 33% of the Ukrainian population approves of the leadership of the US.

If war becomes inevitable, there are chances the US will side with Ukraine. 

If losing millions of people in World War 1 and 2 taught us anything, it is that we do everything to prevent such a huge life loss and mass destruction.

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The Hijab Controversy in Mumbai: A Deeper Dive

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The hijab controversy that unfolded at NG Acharya & DK Marathe College in Mumbai is a microcosm of a larger socio-political debate in India about religious freedom, women’s rights, and secularism in public spaces.

The Core Issue
At its heart, the dispute centered on the right of Muslim students to wear religious attire in a public educational institution. The college’s imposition of a uniform code, which prohibited hijabs, was seen by many as an infringement on the students’ religious freedom. The students, in turn, argued that the hijab was an essential part of their religious identity and should be accommodated.

Legal and Constitutional Implications
The case raises complex legal and constitutional questions about the balance between religious freedom and institutional regulations. Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the freedom to practice religion, while Article 14 ensures equality before the law. The question of whether a mandatory uniform policy infringes upon these rights became a central point of contention.

Wider Societal Impact
The hijab controversy ignited intense public discourse, with opinions sharply divided along religious and ideological lines. It highlighted the growing polarization in Indian society and the challenges of accommodating diverse religious and cultural practices within a secular framework. The case also brought attention to the experiences of Muslim women in India, their rights, and the challenges they face in balancing personal identity with societal expectations.

Aftermath and Implications
The Supreme Court’s stay on the hijab ban provided temporary relief to the affected students. However, the underlying issues remain unresolved. The case has set a precedent for similar disputes that may arise in other educational institutions. It has also underscored the need for a nuanced and balanced approach to addressing religious and cultural diversity in public spaces.

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Bharat Celebrates 78th Independence Day: A Tribute to Freedom and Vision for a Developed Nation

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On August 15, 2024, Bharat marks its 78th Independence Day, a day of national pride and reflection on the country’s journey from colonial rule to a vision of a developed nation by 2047. This year’s theme, Viksit Bharat or Developed Bharat, symbolizes the government’s commitment to transforming Bharat into a developed nation by the time the country celebrates its 100th year of independence. Across the country, citizens will celebrate with flag hoisting, parades, and cultural events, honoring the spirit of freedom and the progress made since 1947.

Independence Day commemorates Bharat’s freedom from over 200 years of British rule, achieved on August 15, 1947. The struggle for independence, which began with the Revolt of 1857 and gained momentum under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in the 1920s, culminated in the Indian Independence Bill being introduced in the British House of Commons on July 4, 1947, leading to Bharat becoming an independent nation.

As we celebrate this significant day, it is a moment to honor the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and renew our commitment to their vision for Bharat. Happy Independence Day to all, and may we continue to strive for a prosperous and developed nation. Jai Hind!

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Environmental Damage at Silver Beach Marve: Subhash Constructions Facing Backlash

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Siddhant Mohite, Mumbai Uncensored:

A company named Subhash Constructions is responsible for the degradation of Silver Beach, Marve. Despite existing regulations aimed at safeguarding coastal ecosystems, this company has blatantly disregarded environmental norms, upsetting the delicate balance of nature.

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Among the most concerning outcomes of this unchecked development is the unauthorized creation of a slope on the beach. This alteration of the natural landscape not only disrupts the beach’s aesthetic appeal but also poses considerable ecological risks. Additionally, reports of dead snakes found along the shoreline serve as a poignant reminder of the adverse impact of human intervention on local wildlife.

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Local Citizens are demanding an FIR against the contractor and their associates for conducting work of a government contract in an unethical manner by making a ramp by using stones and soil instead of using metal sheets for machinery movement. Dumping of huge rocks and soil on the beach has also risked the environment, and this whole project will also cause sand erosion, a local source said.

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Environmentalists have taken strong objections against the construction of a wall at Marve beach in suburban Mumbai, as they said that “This will further destroy the sandy beach, besides wasting taxpayers’ money to build a wall. Its actually foolish to construct such walls on beaches instead of coming up with eco-sustainable solutions.”

The situation at Silver Beach Marwe underscores the pressing need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and increased accountability from construction companies. Subhash Construction, in particular, must be held accountable for its role in the degradation of this coastal ecosystem.

Furthermore, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority’s mandate against permanent constructions on beaches must be enforced without compromise. Failure to do so not only compromises the integrity of Silver Beach Marve but also establishes a hazardous precedent for coastal development projects throughout the region.

As concerned citizens, it is our collective responsibility to raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing Silver Beach Marve and advocate for sustainable solutions. Specifically, the dumping of stones on the seacoast and the absence of a required board of the ongoing tender on the beach must be addressed. Moreover, companies found violating environmental regulations, like Subhash Construction, should be blacklisted as government contractors. The explicit directive from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority prohibiting permanent constructions on the beach must be emphasized and upheld.

Only through concerted action can we hope to preserve the natural beauty of our coastal heritage for the enjoyment of future generations.

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