Syllabus: GS2/International Relations
Context
- Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lauded the ties between India and Russia, saying that the two nations have a ‘steady and time-tested partnership’.
About the India-Russia Relation
- India and Russia share a relationship that is often described as ‘time-tested, steady, and strategically privileged’.
- This partnership continues to be a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, rooted in history and evolving through changing global dynamics.
Historical Background & Evolution
- Early Diplomatic Ties: Diplomatic relations between India and the Soviet Union were formally established on April 13, 1947, even before India gained independence.
- The USSR supported India’s industrial and scientific development during its formative years, contributing to sectors like steel, energy, and education.
- Cold War Era: During the Cold War, India and the USSR shared a strong strategic relationship, marked by:
- Political alignment on non-alignment and anti-colonialism.
- Military cooperation, including arms supplies and joint exercises.
- Cultural exchanges and educational collaboration.
- Signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation in 1971, backing India during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
- Post-Soviet Transition:
- 1991: After the dissolution of the USSR, India quickly recognized the Russian Federation as its successor.
- 1993: A new Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation was signed.
- 1994: A bilateral Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement was established.
- Strategic Partnership Era:
- 2000: India and Russia signed the Declaration on Strategic Partnership, elevating ties to a new level.
- 2010: The relationship was further upgraded to a ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’, reflecting deeper cooperation across defence, energy, space, and trade.
- Institutional Mechanisms:
- Regular Annual Summits between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Russia.
- Creation of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC) with two key divisions:
- IRIGC-TEC: Trade, Economy, Science & Technology, Culture.
- IRIGC-M&MTC: Military and Technical Cooperation.
- 2+2 Dialogue launched in 2021, involving Foreign and Defence Ministers.
- Contemporary Relations:
- India and Russia continue to collaborate on global platforms like BRICS, SCO, G20, and the United Nations.
- Russia remains a key defence supplier to India, and both nations support a multipolar world order.
- In 2024, Prime Minister Modi was awarded Russia’s highest state honor, the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, for his contributions to bilateral ties.
Present: Strategic Depth Amid Global Shifts
- Defence and Security: Russia remains India’s largest defense supplier, despite diversification efforts.
- Joint projects include BrahMos Missiles, S-400 air defense systems, and nuclear submarines.
- According to SIPRI’s recent data, Russia remains a key supplier of military equipment to India.
- Russia supplied 36% of India’s arms imports in 2020-2024, a drop from 55% in 2015-2019 and 72% in 2010-2014.
- Energy and Trade: India’s import of Russian crude oil surged to over 43% of total imports in mid-2025.
- Bilateral trade reached $68.7 billion in FY 2024–25, with a target of $100 billion by 2030. (22nd Annual Summit, July 2024).
- Space & Scientific Collaboration: ISRO and Roscosmos jointly trained Indian astronauts for Gaganyaan.
- India’s first satellite Aryabhata (1975) was launched by the USSR.
- Connectivity Initiatives:
- International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): Multimodal route connecting Mumbai to St. Petersburg via Iran and Central Asia
- Aims to cut cargo time by 40%
- Chabahar-Russia Integration: Enhancing logistics between Central Asia and India.
Emerging Issues
- Defence Supply Disruptions: Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted deliveries of critical defence equipment and spare parts.
- Delays in contracts for MiG-29s, Sukhoi fighter jets, and Igla-S missiles have raised concerns about India’s operational readiness.
- Energy Trade and Western Pressure: The U.S. has responded with 25% tariffs and proposed a bill for 500% penalties on countries trading with Russia.
- India maintains that its energy decisions are price-driven and sovereign.
- Strategic Autonomy vs. Global Expectations: India’s neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict has drawn criticism from Western allies.
- The US has raised concerns about India’s engagement with Russia, urging respect for the UN Charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
- India insists its foreign policy is non-aligned and interest-based, not dictated by third-party pressures.
- Trade Imbalance and Payment Mechanisms: India faces a one-sided trade imbalance, importing far more from Russia than it exports.
- Payment issues persist due to sanctions on Russian banks and complications in using third currencies.
- Efforts are underway to settle trade in national currencies and diversify trade baskets.
- Russia-China Nexus and Geopolitical Tensions: Russia’s growing closeness with China, especially in forums like the US-China-Russia Troika, has raised concern in India.
- India’s participation in QUAD and AUKUS dialogues has occasionally clashed with Russian strategic interests.
- Balancing ties with both Moscow and Washington remains a delicate diplomatic act.
Way Forward: Expanding India-Russia Relations
- Multilateral Cooperation: India and Russia collaborate on platforms like BRICS, SCO, G20, and the United Nations.
- Russia’s BRICS chairmanship in 2024 and India’s G20 presidency in 2023 have strengthened coordination.
- Economic and Regional Initiatives: Plans to build an ‘Energy Bridge’ and expand cooperation in nuclear, hydrocarbon, and renewable energy.
- India is opening new consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg, signaling deeper regional engagement.
- Joint ventures in Arctic exploration, infrastructure, and technology are on the horizon.
- Strategic Autonomy: India maintains that its foreign policy is independent and interest-driven, not dictated by third-party pressures.
| Daily Mains Practice Question [Q] In light of increasing US restrictions and geopolitical pressure, examine how India’s relationship with Russia reflects its commitment to strategic autonomy. |
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