R2R SSB BATCHES START EVERY 1ST & 15TH of month. 

1. Russia–Ukraine War: Prolonged Stalemate and Strategic Shifts Now in its fourth year, the Russia–Ukraine conflict remains central to global tensions. In 2024, Russia intensified operations in eastern Ukraine, making incremental territorial gains, while Ukrainian forces held ground in select Russian border regions. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths annually, with cumulative fatalities estimated in the hundreds of thousands. 

India’s Response: Strategic Neutrality 

India has maintained a position of strategic autonomy, refraining from condemning Russia outright while urging for peace through dialogue and diplomacy. This reflects India's longstanding ties with Russia and its broader foreign policy of non-alignment. Economically, India has deepened energy cooperation with Russia, becoming its top oil importer by mid-2024. At the same time, India has positioned itself as a possible mediator, calling for respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law.

Following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, the Israel–Gaza conflict spiraled into a wider regional crisis. Fighting expanded to involve Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Yemen, altering the security landscape of West Asia. By early 2025, the conflict had claimed tens of thousands of lives. 

India’s Response: Balanced and Principled 

India strongly condemned the terrorist attacks against Israel while also expressing concern over civilian casualties in Gaza. Consistently, India has advocated a two-state solution and called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the release of hostages. Prime Minister Modi engaged with leaders from both sides, reflecting India’s effort to maintain strong relations with both Israel and Arab nations.

In late 2024, reports emerged of significant territorial losses by the Assad regime, with some unverified claims of Damascus falling to opposition forces. If confirmed, this would mark the end of over five decades of Assad family rule. The weakening of Assad’s key allies—Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah—due to engagements elsewhere contributed to this shift.

Note: As of mid-2025, the situation remains fluid, and reports about the fall of Assad are contested and not officially confirmed.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been locked in a brutal civil war between the national military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has created what the UN has called the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with nearly 25 million people facing acute food insecurity. Violence has been widespread, and international mediation efforts have struggled to make headway. 

India’s Response: Evacuation and Diplomatic Engagement 

India’s top priority has been the safety of its nationals. Operation Kaveri was launched to evacuate Indian citizens from Sudan, and Indian diplomats have worked alongside the UN to seek a peaceful resolution. India has remained cautious, focusing on humanitarian support and non-interventionist diplomacy.

Armed resistance against Myanmar’s military junta has significantly escalated since the 2021 coup. By late 2024, opposition forces claimed control over a majority of the country’s territory, with fighting intensifying in several regions. 

India’s Response: Pragmatic and Border-Centric 

India’s policy is shaped by its northeastern border sensitivities and concerns over refugee inflows. While India has hosted discussions with junta representatives and extended humanitarian aid (e.g., Operation Karuna post-Cyclone Sitrang), it has not formally engaged with the National Unity Government (NUG), drawing criticism from some quarters. India’s focus remains on regional stability and managing cross-border insurgencies.

6. Africa’s Sahel Crisis: Jihadist Threats and Military Coups 

The Sahel region continues to suffer from instability, marked by coups in Niger, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad. Terror groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS remain active, and regional governance has deteriorated. 

India’s Role: Peacekeeping and Development 

India has played a significant role in UN peacekeeping missions, especially in South Sudan. With over 2,300 personnel deployed and leadership roles held by Indian commanders, India has contributed to security, infrastructure, and civilian welfare in conflict zones.

Tensions between China and Taiwan escalated further in 2024, with China launching large-scale military drills (e.g., "Joint Sword 2024A/B") following Taiwan’s presidential elections. These moves were widely interpreted as signals of coercion. 

India’s Position: Quiet Engagement with Strategic Autonomy 

India maintains formal adherence to the One-China Policy but has increased economic and technological cooperation with Taiwan, especially in the semiconductor sector. India’s approach avoids provocation while expanding its regional influence and safeguarding its interests in the Indo-Pacific.

A Global Crisis The collective impact of these conflicts has resulted in a massive humanitarian toll:

• Over 1 million internally displaced people in Haiti due to gang violence
• 50,000+ refugees from Myanmar in India’s northeastern states
• Widespread displacement in Sudan, Gaza, Syria, and Ukraine

Rooted in its philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), India has launched several humanitarian missions:

• Operation Dost (earthquake relief in Turkey, 2023)
• Operation Karuna (cyclone relief in Myanmar, 2023)
• Continued aid to Afghanistan amid political turmoil

1. Multi-Alignment as a Diplomatic Doctrine India’s simultaneous engagement with BRICS and Quad underscores its pursuit of balanced diplomacy—leveraging opportunities with both Western and non-Western powers. 

2. Economic Pragmatism From importing discounted Russian oil to developing semiconductor ties with Taiwan, India has navigated conflicts through practical economic decisions, ensuring both security and growth. 

3. Diplomatic Neutrality and Global Dialogue Whether addressing the Ukraine war or the Gaza crisis, India has consistently pushed for dialogue, ceasefires, and multilateral resolution—staying true to its legacy of non-alignment.

India’s Evolving Global Role The conflicts of 2023–2025 have reshaped global geopolitics—and India has emerged as a confident, independent player on the world stage. Balancing competing interests, championing humanitarian values, and upholding sovereignty, India has demonstrated the power of strategic autonomy. 

As conflict zones multiply and alliances evolve, India’s ability to serve as a bridge-builder and advocate for peace will define its place in the new global order. The path ahead is complex, but India appears increasingly prepared to walk it on its own terms.