♤ India has a number of interests and values which underpin its position on Syria.

♤ Opposition to foreign intervention and support for state sovereignty (regardless of regime type) are long-held principles that by default make India’s position favorable to the Assad government.

♤ These principles are underpinned by anti-colonialism, Third World solidarity, interest in preventing foreign intervention in Kashmir, and cultural values such as pluralism, non- violence (at the interstate level) and tolerance. India can justify not criticizing Russia’s involvement as this was at the invitation of the Assad regime.