Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty: India’s Response to the Ukraine Crisis Considering Its Own Border Disputes

Abstract

India’s position toward the Ukraine conflict —which began in February 2022—is analyzed using both the theories of Realism and Constructivism through the lens of India's own territorial disputes —such as the dispute with China at the LAC (Line of Actual Control) and with Pakistan regarding Kashmir. This study evaluates India's diplomatic neutrality —its abstention from UN condemnation of Russia while promoting dialogue to resolve crises —as an indication of the lessons learned from its own border disputes which have led it to emphasize the resolution of disputes peacefully so that no precedent is set that may undermine its claims to territorial sovereignty. The key finding of this research demonstrates that India has maintained an equilibrium between supporting sovereignty in principle and forming pragmatic alliances to leverage the crisis to improve relations with Russia —in the context of Sino-Indian tensions. However, this posture also creates perceptions of inconsistency —because Western criticisms of Russian actions in Ukraine have raised concerns about parallels between these actions and those of China in Ladakh.
This research argues that India’s response contributes to its ability to maintain a multipolar position, and to the broader debate about how internal disputes influence foreign policy in the contexts of the Global South. The implications of this research include continued calls for reform of multilateral institutions to provide equitable treatment for the issues of sovereignty. This research also illustrates the relationship between self-interest and international norms in responding to crises.