Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on “ Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals”  (2020), and the “Russia and Ukraine war”  (2022).

In February 2025, the U.S. blamed Ukraine, Germany, and other European countries for not doing enough to end the conflict and for continuing a war with Russia that it sees as unwinnable. However, the U.S. itself has already spent over $110 billion on the Ukraine war, including $65 billion on ammunition—more than what major Western countries combined have provided. 

Today’s editorial highlights the double stance of the USA in international relations. This content would help in GS paper 2 (IR).

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Why in the News?

The Munich Security Conference in Germany and the recent United Nations General Assembly vote on Ukraine were filled with contradictions and hypocrisy.

What were the key contradictions during the Munich Security Conference and the UN General Assembly vote on Ukraine?

Munich Security Conference

• U.S. Criticism of European Democratic Practices vs. Its Own Actions: U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance accused Europe of suppressing right-wing parties and curbing free speech. However, the U.S. previously sought to delegitimize its own right-wing movements including the 2021 Capitol riot and Trump’s 2020 election denial further exposed this contradiction.
• U.S. Demand for European Security Responsibility vs. Past Opposition: The U.S. urged Europe to increase defense spending and reduce reliance on NATO. Yet, since the Cold War’s end the U.S. has consistently opposed European efforts to establish independent security frameworks fearing a weakened NATO.

UN General Assembly vote on Ukraine: 

• U.S. Opposition to European-Ukrainian Resolution vs. Its Previous Support: Despite previously leading international efforts to support Ukraine against Russia and now the U.S. voted with Russia against a European-Ukrainian draft resolution. This contradicts its long-standing position of backing Ukraine and opposing Russian aggression.
• Europe’s Victory Without U.S. Support: The European-Ukrainian resolution was adopted despite U.S. opposition, highlighting a growing divide between American and European approaches to the Ukraine conflict. However, without sustained U.S. support, Europe’s ability to continue aiding Ukraine effectively is uncertain, making the victory largely symbolic.

How has the U.S.’s stance on the Ukraine war shifted over time?

• Initial Strong Support for Ukraine (2022-2023): The U.S. led global efforts to support Ukraine, providing over $110 billion, including $65 billion for ammunition, and coordinated sanctions against Russia. Example: The U.S. played a key role in mobilizing NATO allies to send advanced weaponry, including Germany’s Leopard tanks.
• Undermining Peace Negotiations (2022): The U.S. discouraged early peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Türkiye, preferring to prolong the conflict to weaken Russia strategically. Example: In March 2022, a European leader, reportedly at U.S. behest, sabotaged a nearly finalized peace agreement.
• Tensions with European Allies (2023-2024): The U.S. increasingly criticized Europe for not contributing enough financially and militarily while maintaining disproportionate U.S. involvement. Example: Despite urging Europe to take responsibility, the U.S. continued to dominate NATO’s budget (16%) and military commitments.
• Shifting Blame to Europe (2025): By February 2025, the U.S. accused Germany, Ukraine, and other European nations of pursuing an unwinnable war and not doing enough to seek a resolution.  
• Voting Against European-Ukrainian Resolution (2025): In a dramatic reversal, the U.S. voted with Russia against a European-Ukrainian draft at the UN General Assembly, signaling a shift toward disengagement. This marked a break from the U.S.’s previous unconditional support and exposed widening trans-Atlantic rifts over Ukraine policy.

Why is the trans-Atlantic partnership between the U.S. and Europe still considered relevant?

• Shared Security Commitments Through NATO: The U.S. and Europe continue to rely on NATO for collective defence, especially in response to Russian aggression and emerging global threats. Example: After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (2022), the U.S. increased its troop presence in Eastern Europe, while Finland and Sweden joined NATO, reinforcing trans-Atlantic security ties.
• Economic and Technological Interdependence: The U.S. and Europe maintain deep economic ties through trade, technology collaboration, and joint efforts on climate change and supply chain resilience. Example: The U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) fosters cooperation on critical areas like semiconductors and clean energy, reducing dependence on China.

What lessons should India learn from the USA’s constantly changing policies?

• Need for Policy Consistency and Strategic Autonomy: Frequent shifts in U.S. foreign policy highlight the importance of maintaining stable and long-term strategies to protect national interests. 
  • Example: The U.S.’s fluctuating stance on Ukraine and Afghanistan shows how unpredictable alliances can be. India should continue pursuing strategic autonomy through initiatives like “Act East” and partnerships with Russia and the Global South to avoid over-reliance on any one nation.
• Diversification of Economic and Defense Partnerships: Rapid policy changes in the U.S. underscore the need to diversify partnerships to reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
  • Example: U.S. sanctions on Iran disrupted India’s oil imports. In response, India diversified its energy sources by strengthening ties with Russia and exploring renewable energy investments.
• Investing in Domestic Capabilities: India must strengthen its domestic manufacturing, technology, and defense industries to reduce dependence on unpredictable foreign partners.
  • Example: The U.S.’s evolving position on export controls for advanced technologies emphasizes the need for India to accelerate initiatives like “Make in India” and semiconductor manufacturing to ensure technological sovereignty.

Way forward: 

• Strengthen Strategic Autonomy: Prioritize independent foreign policy decisions while balancing ties with major powers. Enhance regional leadership through initiatives like “Neighborhood First” and “Act East” to reduce reliance on any single partner.
• Enhance Self-Reliance and Diversification: Invest in domestic capabilities through programs like “Make in India” and “Digital India”, while diversifying economic and defence partnerships to mitigate risks from external policy shifts.

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