As much of the world condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine unequivocally, India has adopted a far more nuanced position. It has abstained from United Nations Security Council votes against Moscow, sponsored by the United States of America and its allies. It has neither mentioned Russia by name nor criticized the invasion itself in its public statements. But it has made clear that it is deeply unhappy about the violence in Ukraine, and that it is opposed to the violation of that country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. For those not attuned to reading diplomatese between the lines, here is what this means: New Delhi is opposed to the invasion by the Kremlin — but will not stand up against Moscow over it. Such diplomatic acrobatics are never easy, yet few countries have the experience to pull off a juggle between their avowed principles, defined national interests and actual actions like India does. On the one hand, India’s foreign policy today is interwoven with that of the US’s more than it is with any other nation. From trade to technology, and defence to the diaspora, no other country occupies the collective consciousness of Indians — both policymakers and ordinary citizens — more. But Russia, too, is a vital strategic partner and has stood by India at crucial times in modern history when Washington had threatened New Delhi. A bulk of India’s military hardware is still of Russian make.

Yet this balancing act is likely to prove tough this time because of the unsubstantiated arguments that the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has cited to justify what Moscow, a master of euphemisms, describes as a “special military operation”. There is no evidence of any imminent security threat to Russia or of a genocide against Russian-origin people in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas, contrary to Mr Putin’s claims. That the tough, new US-led sanctions against Russia have been supported by all of Europe, Japan and Australia will make it harder for India to manage public perception in these nations and regions. Finally, this is the first major war being launched in the era of live-streaming, TikTok and ubiquitous smartphones. Every act of heroism by Ukrainians, and of violence by Russians, will reach homes around the world. Standing up for old friends is an admirable virtue. But even with the best of friends, it is important to set red lines. New Delhi must decide what those are for India.