Analysts say with India’s military heavily dependent on tanks, fighter jets and other equipment of Russian origin, it could not afford to isolate Moscow, particularly at a time when tensions with China are running high with both armies massed for a third winter along their disputed Himalayan border.In September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a meeting on the sidelines of a regional summit in Uzbekistan that “this is not an era of war.” He pointed out that the world was facing challenges, including food and energy shortages that were particularly affecting developing countries.However, he added that public condemnation of Russia is not going to happen because “India feels that there are multiple causes for this conflict, therefore political dialogue is the only way forward.”Some have feared India’s neutral stance on Russia will strain ties with the United States – it is the only partner in the Quad alliance that consists of India, U.S., Japan and Australia, not to have sanctioned Russia.“Without India there is no Indo-Pacific and I think America realizes the value of India as a partner, and India realizes the value of Washington at a time of this turbulence on its periphery.”Analysts say India wants to help in negotiating a way out of the Ukraine conflict, pointing out that it is taking a punishing toll on the global economy.“There are already behind-the-scenes talks and India is hoping to play a constructive role in reducing the differences between the warring parties so that at least the armed hostilities stop.”"