Is India justified in voting in favour of Russia in a case of blatant aggression?

In the world of diplomacy, it is not just about perceptions of right and wrong but also about helping old friends. That is exactly what the US did when they supported Pakistan in 1971. That is what UK did when they stood by the US for needless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. What India has done is just to stand by its old ally, Russia, at a time when Russia has almost been isolated. That in a way is largely justified from a diplomatic standpoint.

Needless to say, most of the developed world today operates at the behest of the US, and this includes UK, much of EU, Canada, Australia etc. Russia has been one of the key backers of India in tough times. During 1971 Bangladesh War, most Western powers were inclined to support Pakistan with only Russia coming forward to support India. Again, India was isolated after the nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998 with only Russia supporting India.

Diplomacy has a special place for old friends and while India may still have the largest trading relationship with the US and China, Russia has been a major backer of India in its defence endeavours. Ironically, the West loves to sell arms to India but refused to stand by India either in 1971 or in 1998. Even in the case of Kashmir, most of the Western nations treat Pakistani separatism with kid’s gloves much to the discomfort of India.

Unfortunately, the West is vocal in criticizing India’s role in Kashmir but silent on Israel’s role in Palestine, Gaza and West Bank. No single Western power condemned Chinese incursions in Galwan 4 years back. It is quite interesting how the western conscience suddenly wakes up when it suits them and frequently goes into a deep state of quiescence when it does not suit their interests. India has done the right thing under the circumstances.