The meeting between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and India’s counterpart S. Jaishankar saw the two countries expressing similar concerns about the possible effect that unilateral sanctions would have on the global economy as well as the supply chain, in what is a clear reference to the sanctions imposed on Russia by the US and European Union (EU), over the Ukraine invasion. 

The Chinese readout mentioned that Beijing said both sides share similar views on major regional and international issues, calling on both sides to lend energy for the cause of stability, Times of India reported. 

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China has shown a lot more support towards Russia in the Ukraine issue. Initially, they refused to label Russia’s actions as ‘invasion’. Throughout, China has maintained that Moscow’s security concerns are legitimate. They’ve also blamed the NATO eastward expansion, headed by the US, as the core issue which has culminated in Russia sending troops into Ukraine. 

However, China has maintained the need for diplomatic talks and in a call with US counterpart Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping had said that the war in Ukraine must stop immediately. 

Meanwhile, India has remained neutral, abstaining from voting at the United Nations (UN). In an instance when an Indian judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) voted against Russia, which has been accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine, India was quick to distance itself officially from this judgement, calling it an individual decision. 

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New Delhi has had ties with Moscow for a long time, and India depends on Russia largely for its military defence. Ironically, the threat from China has driven India closer to Russia. China, also, depends on Russia for its oil and gas needs, Reuters reported. 

India has remained in constant contact with Russia and Ukraine since February 24, first negotiating the evacuation of nationals, and constantly urging a diplomatic resolution to the situation.