India and Russia Have a Steady, Time-Tested Partnership: MEA

Brief 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’.

Source Content

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.

Source: DD News