Dr. Subramanian Swamy’s Bold Proposal to Deploy Troops to Ukraine: India’s Strategic Imperative

In a thought-provoking post on X on March 4, 2025, Dr. Subramanian Swamy, a prominent Indian politician, economist, and strategic thinker, proposed that India send 20,000 troops to Ukraine to defend the nation against Russia and protect Indian students and teachers caught in the ongoing conflict. While the suggestion has sparked sharp criticism, a closer examination reveals the strategic brilliance and out-of-the-box thinking behind Dr. Swamy’s idea. Far from being a mere rhetorical flourish, this proposal underscores India’s potential to assert itself as a global power, safeguard its citizens abroad, and reshape its geopolitical standing in an increasingly polarized world.

Arguments in support of Indian troops deployment in Ukraine:

1. Protecting Indian Nationals in Ukraine
   One of the most compelling arguments is the need to protect Indian students and teachers stranded in Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Thousands of Indian citizens, particularly students pursuing medical education, were trapped in the conflict zone, prompting large-scale evacuation efforts like Operation Ganga in 2022. Deploying troops could ensure a sustained, robust presence to secure their safety, provide humanitarian aid, and deter further threats. This aligns with India’s moral and constitutional duty to safeguard its citizens abroad, as enshrined in Article 51 of the Indian Constitution, which emphasizes international peace and security.
2. Strengthening India’s Global Standing
   By aligning with Western nations like the UK, Canada, and France—countries that have supported Ukraine militarily—India could enhance its strategic partnership with the West, particularly the United States. While India has historically maintained a close relationship with Russia, the shifting dynamics of global power necessitate diversification of alliances. Dr. Swamy’s proposal positions India as a proactive player in the international arena, signaling its willingness to contribute to global stability and counterbalance Russia’s aggression. This move could elevate India’s role in forums like the United Nations and strengthen its bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
3. Countering Russia’s Traditional Dominance
   India’s historical reliance on Russia for military hardware and diplomatic support—particularly during conflicts with Pakistan and China—has shaped its foreign policy for decades. However, Russia’s actions in Ukraine have strained this relationship, prompting India to recalibrate its stance. Dr. Swamy’s suggestion to support Ukraine indirectly challenges Russia’s dominance and signals India’s readiness to assert independence in its foreign policy. This strategic pivot could reduce India’s dependence on Russian arms and open doors to advanced military technology from Western nations, bolstering India’s defense capabilities against threats from China and Pakistan.
4. Learning from the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
   The Russia-Ukraine war has offered critical lessons in modern warfare, including the importance of drones, artillery, and hybrid tactics, as highlighted in recent analyses (e.g., Forbes, October 2024). By deploying troops to Ukraine, India could gain firsthand experience in these cutting-edge military strategies, enhancing its own defense preparedness along its borders with China and Pakistan. Dr. Swamy’s proposal reflects a forward-thinking approach to leveraging global conflicts for India’s strategic advantage, ensuring the Indian military remains at the forefront of technological and tactical innovation.
5. Promoting Global Peace and Stability
   Dr. Swamy’s call for India to “ensure peace” in the region aligns with India’s long-standing commitment to non-alignment and peaceful coexistence, rooted in its post-independence foreign policy. By contributing troops to Ukraine, India could play a mediatory role, working alongside Western powers to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further humanitarian crises. This would reinforce India’s image as a responsible global power committed to multilateralism, countering criticism of its neutral stance on the Ukraine war and its continued purchase of Russian oil.

The Strategic Brilliance of Dr. Swamy’s Out-of-the-Box Idea

Dr. Subramanian Swamy, known for his Hindu nationalist views and unconventional political stances, has once again demonstrated his strategic brilliance with this audacious proposal. His ability to think beyond traditional geopolitical alignments—challenging India’s decades-long partnership with Russia—reflects a deep understanding of the shifting global order. In a world where the U.S. and China are locked in a new Cold War, and regional powers like India must navigate complex alliances, Dr. Swamy’s suggestion offers a bold vision for India to emerge as a decisive player on the world stage.

The out-of-the-box nature of this idea lies in its departure from India’s cautious, non-interventionist foreign policy. Rather than remaining on the sidelines, as it has largely done since the Ukraine war began, India could seize this opportunity to assert leadership, protect its citizens, and gain strategic advantages. Dr. Swamy’s proposal also highlights his knack for identifying long-term opportunities amidst immediate crises—transforming a humanitarian concern into a geopolitical masterstroke.

Moreover, the proposal’s alignment with Western powers, while maintaining India’s strategic autonomy, showcases Dr. Swamy’s nuanced understanding of balance-of-power politics. By criticizing the U.S. for “ditching their former ally” (likely a reference to Ukraine or NATO partners), he positions India as a principled actor willing to uphold international commitments, further enhancing its moral authority.

Addressing Potential Criticisms

Critics may argue that deploying troops to Ukraine risks antagonizing Russia, India’s long-standing partner, or overstretching India’s military resources, given its commitments along the borders with China and Pakistan. However, Dr. Swamy’s proposal could be implemented with a limited, well-defined mandate—focusing on humanitarian protection and peacekeeping rather than direct combat—minimizing risks while maximizing benefits. Additionally, India’s military, one of the largest and most capable in the world, is well-equipped to handle such a mission without compromising domestic security.

Conclusion

Dr. Subramanian Swamy’s suggestion to deploy 20,000 Indian troops to Ukraine may appear radical at first glance, but it embodies a visionary approach to India’s role in global affairs. By protecting Indian nationals, strengthening ties with the West, countering Russian dominance, learning from modern warfare, and promoting peace, the proposal offers a multifaceted strategy to elevate India’s geopolitical stature. Dr. Swamy’s strategic brilliance shines through in this out-of-the-box idea, challenging conventional wisdom and inviting India to seize a historic opportunity to redefine its place in the world. While the proposal warrants careful deliberation and diplomatic groundwork, it deserves serious consideration as a bold step toward India’s emergence as a global superpower.