India and China on the War in Ukraine: A Comparative Analysis

<ns4:p>Background The Russian invasion of Ukraine has divided the world. While the Western countries have formed a coalition to support Ukraine, those in the Global South have taken more nuanced positions, refraining from explicitly condemning Russia. Within the BRICS group, which includes Russia, as well as China and India, the latter two nations have sought to leverage the situation to advance their own strategic interests. Method This research aims to analyze the dominant narratives in Indian and Chinese media regarding the international situation. Particular focus is placed on their relationships with Russia, as well as in the context of energy resources, perceptions of the West, and the broader impact of the war in Ukraine on the global order. A qualitative research methodology was employed, focusing on the comparative analysis of secondary sources, namely news articles. The hypothesis posited is: “While India and China, both members of the Global South and BRICS, share some geopolitical alignments with Russia, their differing systems of governance – democratic in India and authoritarian in China – result in distinct perspectives on the war in Ukraine and its consequences for the international order.” Results The analysis reveals that, despite both China and India countries' alignment with the Global South and their identification with developing nations' interests, China and India differ fundamentally in most aspects of their approach to the war in Ukraine and its implications. Conclusions Both Chinese and Indian media emphasize the importance of a multipolar world and multilateralism, articulating a clear critique of "Western dominance" and stressing the need for change. At the same time, they differ in their strategies to leverage the current situation for their respective interests.</ns4:p>