• UGI USER
  • Jul 09, 2024
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INDIA-RUSSIA RELATION- A COMPREHENSIVE VIEW

Syllabus:

  • GS-2- Bilateral relations , India- Russia relations , China angle in bilateral relations

Focus :

  • The article explores the evolution of India-Russia relations, emphasizing their historical context, key areas of cooperation, and the impact of China’s growing influence. It highlights the challenges and opportunities within this triangular relationship and suggests strategies for India to balance its strategic partnership with Russia while managing its rivalry with China.
Source - ORF  

Introduction:

  • India and Russia share a long-standing relationship dating back to the Soviet era.
  • Bilateral ties have been characterized by cooperation in defense, energy, and space technology.
  • The relationship has evolved over the decades, adapting to changing geopolitical dynamics.

Historical Context

Evolution of India-Russia Relations

1.Cold War Era:

  • The USSR was one of India’s closest allies during the Cold War.
  • Support in areas like defense, technology transfer, and political backing in international forums.
  • Key agreements include the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation in 1971.

2.Post-Soviet Period:

  • Continuation of strong bilateral ties after the dissolution of the USSR.
  • Establishment of the India-Russia Strategic Partnership in 2000.
  • Regular high-level exchanges and annual summits to bolster ties.

3.Key Areas of Cooperation:

Defense:

  • Russia is a major supplier of defense equipment to India.
  • Joint development and production of military hardware (e.g., BrahMos missile).
  • It is governed by the two nations’ signed Agreement on the Program for Military Technical Cooperation.
  • Currently, Russia controls over 47% of India’s total armaments imports.
  • But historically, it made up 65% of India’s imports of weapons.
  • Russian T-72 and T-90S tanks make up the vast bulk of India’s armored force, as does its fleet of ground-attack aircraft, which includes MiG-21, Su-30, and MiG-29 versions.
  • India and Russia inked a 5.43 billion USD contract in October 2018 for the S-400 Triumf missile.
  • India has more than half of its conventional submarines built by the Soviet Union.
  • Regular military exercises (e.g., INDRA series).
  • India’s purchase of S-400 missile defense systems despite U.S. CAATSA sanctions.
  • Ongoing projects and future acquisitions highlight robust defense cooperation.

Energy:

  • Cooperation in nuclear energy (Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant).
  • Investments in oil and gas sectors.
  • Russia’s role in meeting India’s energy needs, especially in oil and gas.
  • Strategic investments by Indian companies in Russian energy assets (e.g., Vankor oil field).
  • Collaboration in nuclear energy with new reactor units planned.

Space:

  • Collaboration in space technology and satellite launches,Human space vehicle
  • Joint research and development in various technological domains.
  • Space exploration cooperation, including the Gaganyaan mission.

Trade:

  • Bilateral trade has grown, though it remains below potential.
  • Efforts to diversify trade beyond traditional sectors.
  • Efforts to boost bilateral trade, including setting a target of $30 billion by 2025.
  • Exploration of new trade routes, such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
  • Potential areas for expansion: pharmaceuticals, IT, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Geopolitical Dynamics: The Chinese Angle

China-Russia Relations:

  • Strengthening of China-Russia strategic partnership in recent years.
  • Alignment on various international issues and increased economic cooperation.
  • Joint military exercises and technology transfers.
  • Historical border disputes and the 1962 war between India and China.
  • Recent skirmishes and standoffs, notably in Doklam (2017) and Galwan Valley (2020).
  • Growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Russia’s role in South Asian security dynamics.
  • Coordinating positions on Afghanistan and Central Asia.
  • Joint efforts in combating terrorism and extremism.

Impact on India-Russia Ties:

  • Russia’s balancing act between India and China.
  • Concerns in India about Russia’s closer ties with China, especially in defense and technology.
  • Potential implications for India-Russia defense cooperation.

Balancing Act: India, Russia, and China

India’s Strategic Autonomy:

  • India’s multi-alignment strategy to maintain strategic autonomy.
  • Engagement with multiple global powers, including the U.S., Japan, and European Union.
  • Participation in various multilateral forums (e.g., BRICS, SCO).

Russia’s Perspective:

  • Russia’s interest in maintaining strong ties with both India and China.
  • Economic and strategic benefits of relations with China.
  • Historical and defense ties with India remain significant.

Managing Triangular Relations:

  • Regular high-level dialogues between India and Russia to address concerns.
  • Russia’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts and stability.
  • India’s efforts to enhance bilateral ties while engaging with other global powers.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Divergent interests in some geopolitical areas (e.g., Afghanistan, Central Asia).
  • India’s increasing defense and economic ties with the U.S. and its allies.
  • Russia’s deepening relations with China.

Opportunities:

  • Potential for enhanced cooperation in emerging technologies (e.g., AI, cybersecurity).
  • Expanding trade and investment in new sectors.
  • Strengthening people-to-people ties through cultural exchanges and tourism.

Future Prospects

Strengthening Bilateral Mechanisms:

  • Regular summits and strategic dialogues to address emerging challenges.
  • Enhancing institutional mechanisms for cooperation in various sectors.
  • Promoting business-to-business and people-to-people contacts.

Expanding Economic Ties:

  • Identifying new areas for trade and investment.
  • Facilitating market access and reducing trade barriers.
  • Encouraging joint ventures and partnerships.

Leveraging Multilateral Platforms:

  • Collaborative efforts in BRICS, SCO, and other forums.
  • Promoting a multipolar world order and regional stability.
  • Addressing global challenges such as climate change and cybersecurity.

Conclusion

  • India-Russia relations remain a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy.
  • Balancing relations with China while strengthening ties with Russia.
  • Adapting to changing geopolitical dynamics and leveraging opportunities for mutual benefit.
  • Continued commitment to a robust strategic partnership.
  • Expanding cooperation in new and emerging areas.
  • Enhancing mutual understanding and trust to navigate future challenges

Source:

1.The Hindu

2.Livemint

3. Indian Express

Mains Practice Question :

GS-2

  • “Examine the evolution of India-Russia relations in the context of contemporary geopolitical dynamics, with a particular focus on the influence of China.”(250 Words)
  • “Discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise from this triangular relationship and suggest ways India can sustain and strengthen its strategic partnership with Russia while managing its rivalry with China.”(250 words)