India Russia Relations

India-Russia relations have deep historical roots dating back to the Soviet era. Both countries share a strategic partnership characterized by defense cooperation, trade, and cultural exchanges. India imports significant defense equipment from Russia, fostering military ties. Energy collaboration, including in the nuclear sector, strengthens economic bonds. Despite occasional divergences in foreign policy, such as India's closer alignment with the US, the relationship remains resilient because of mutual respect and shared interests. Strategic dialogue and high-level visits continue to reinforce cooperation in various fields, reaffirming the enduring nature of the Indo-Russian relationship.

During the Soviet era, India benefited from robust backing from the USSR, helping us achieve economic independence and foster collaboration in defense and space endeavors. The Treaty of Peace and Friendship, established in 1971, served to cement this enduring relationship. Subsequently, the Declaration on Strategic Partnership in 2000 further fortified bilateral ties. In a significant development in 2010, the Strategic Partnership between the two nations was elevated to the esteemed status of a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership."

India and Russia have maintained a consistently warm and cooperative relationship, unaffected by shifts in Indian politics or changes within the Russian Federation. “For us, Russia is a valued partner, a time-tested partner. It is a relationship from which both India and Russia have benefited enormously,” Foreign Minister Jaishankar said during his latest visit to Russia in December 2023.The foundation of the Indo-Russian relationship lies in their shared geopolitical and strategic objectives. This includes a history of military cooperation, a joint commitment to promoting a multipolar global order, a mutual interest in countering threats from neighboring states, and a continuous balancing of United States.

Defence:

• Russia is still India's largest arms supplier, accounting for 45% of the country's defense imports. (2017-21)
• India-Russia military cooperation has evolved from a traditional buyer-seller relationship to include joint research, development, and production of advanced defense technologies like the BrahMos Missile System, alongside licensed production of SU-30 aircraft and T-90 tanks in India.
• India purchased the S-400 Triumf air defence system units in 2018 for $5.4 billion.
• Tri-Services exercise Indra is conducted to increase interoperability.

Geopolitics:

• Regular 2+2 mechanism meetings and annual summits foster political ties.
• Collaborations within BRICS, SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) and UNSC (United Nations Security Council) amplify India-Russia strategic partnerships.

Economic & Development:

• Bilateral trade has surpassed $50 billion, primarily fueled by India's increased procurement of Russian oil since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
• Civil nuclear deals:
  • The construction of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu is underway, with Russia providing technical assistance
  • Moscow has also supported our entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
  • Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field was signed in 2018
• Investments in Russian oil and gas projects, as well as exploration in Sakhalin oil fields by ONGC.
• Negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union is going on.

• Russia's inclination towards China poses a challenge to India's interests, while India's proximity to the US, demonstrated through engagements in QUAD and signing of 4 foundational agreements, creates complexities.
• Russia’s participation in the China- led RCP nexus ( Russia -China- Pakistan) is something which concerns India.
• Recent efforts by Russia to bolster its ties with Pakistan may be seen as a strategic response to the growing partnership between the United States and India
• India’s purchase of Russian oil besides India’s refusal to condemn Russian aggression in Ukraine despite the pressure of the West has irked Washington as well as India’s European partners.

• The defense agreements between India and the United States provide India with the opportunity to acquire advanced capabilities such as next-generation fighter aircraft, missile defense systems, and intelligence-sharing platforms. This access to cutting-edge technology gives India a technological advantage over the defense deals it has with Russia.
• Strategic convergence India and USA have signed 4 foundational agreements which ensures proper interoperability between the militaries of the two nations. Also, both nations have shared interest in ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific, and reducing Chinese influence in this region and defence deals with the US would only strengthen our convergence further.

• Strengthening Joint Military Production: Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) has been established and it has started production of AK-203 rifles in India
• Expanding Economic Diversification: India has diversified its exports to Russia to include pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, coal, diamonds, chemicals and ceramics, among other goods to bridge the trade deficit with Russia.
• Finalizing the FTA with Eurasian Economic Union: The conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will boost economic opportunities.
• Implementing the Rupee-Ruble Mechanism: To safeguard bilateral trade from the impact of Western sanctions and ensure seamless transactions between India and Russia.
• Technological Cooperation: Foster collaboration in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, space exploration, cybersecurity, and renewable energy to drive innovation and technological advancement in both countries.

In recent decades, there has been a significant strengthening of US-Indian relations, particularly in security cooperation. Additionally, India has been actively striving to lessen its reliance on Russian weaponry, a trend that predates the Ukraine invasion but may have been accelerated by it. Despite these challenges, Foreign Minister Jaishankar emphasized the enduring nature of the relationship between India and Russia following his latest visit to the country, stating that "if there is one constant in world politics, it has actually been the relationship between India and Russia."