Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Context
- Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on December 4–5 for the India–Russia Annual Summit.
- Visit drew global attention due to Western boycott of Russia after the 2022 Ukraine conflict.
- The visit tested India’s strategic autonomy amid Western pressure and global geopolitical flux.
Historical Foundations of India–Russia Relations
- High-level India–Russia meetings have historically produced transformative strategic outcomes.
- 1971 India–Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation reshaped South Asian geopolitics.
- The treaty enabled India’s victory over Pakistan and liberation of East Pakistan (Bangladesh).
- Russia’s long-standing support reflects mutual trust, accommodation, and strategic faith.
- The relationship strengthened further during the Gorbachev era and under Putin’s long presidency.
Russia–Ukraine War and India’s Position
- The Ukraine conflict became a test case for India–Russia ties.
- India maintained strict neutrality and refused to join the Western anti-Russia bloc.
- This stance has remained a point of friction between India and Western countries.
- Putin’s Delhi visit was his first after Western embargoes, heightening its significance.
Joint Statement Outcomes
- The 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit Joint Statement reaffirmed the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
- Marked the 25th anniversary of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership declaration.
- Emphasised mutual respect for core national interests and exploring new cooperation avenues.
- Focus areas included connectivity, transport corridors, Northern Sea Route, and Chennai–Vladivostok corridor.
- Technology and industrial collaboration received prominent attention.
Notable Absence of Defence Cooperation
- Defence cooperation, traditionally the bedrock of ties, was absent from the Joint Statement.
- This omission raises questions about a possible recalibration in bilateral engagement.
- Historically, Russia has been India’s most reliable defence partner.
- Key Russian-origin systems integral to India’s defence include S-400, BrahMos, SU-30 MKI, T-90 tanks, and helicopters.
- Joint manufacturing and future defence collaboration have progressed significantly.
Strategic Concerns and Western Dimension
- India has diversified defence purchases towards Israel and France, but Russia remains central.
- A shift towards Western suppliers may involve strategic and operational costs.
- Recent U.S. approval of F-16 upgrade packages for Pakistan highlights Western unreliability.
- This contrasts with claims that U.S.–India ties define the 21st century.
Conclusion
- The visit reaffirmed India–Russia strategic continuity, despite defence ambiguity.
- India’s balancing act underscores strategic autonomy amid global realignments.
- Long-term interests suggest limited scope for distancing from Russia.