India Condemns Western Envoys’ Op-Ed on Russia
The government of India has reacted strongly to a joint opinion piece published by the envoys of the United Kingdom, France and Germany criticising Russia ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to New Delhi. Officials at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the article as “very unusual” and declared the public criticism “not acceptable diplomatic practice.”
What Happened
The op-ed, authored by the three European envoys, expressed concerns over Russia’s recent actions on the global stage. The publication of this article, just before a high-profile diplomatic visit, was seen by Indian officials as an attempt to influence bilateral ties. The MEA’s strong response underscores India’s insistence that foreign diplomats refrain from commenting publicly on India’s relations with a third country.
Government’s Objection
The MEA said the op-ed amounted to unsolicited commentary on a sensitive aspect of India’s foreign policy. Labeling the move “unacceptable,” senior officials stressed that such interventions undermine longstanding diplomatic norms and respect between states.
Diplomatic Implications
The incident has created diplomatic unease ahead of President Putin’s visit. It highlights the fine line foreign envoys must walk in expressing views — especially when sensitive alliances and ongoing negotiations are involved. India’s reaction signals that it expects external actors to respect its discretion in handling ties with other nations.
What to Watch
As the summit approaches, observers will monitor whether the criticism affects the tone of bilateral discussions. The episode also raises broader questions about diplomatic conduct, respect for sovereignty, and the norms governing foreign envoys’ public statements.
