A foundation of India’s foreign policy for several decades, the long-standing relationship between Russia and India is influenced by akin strategic interests, historical links, and a desire for multipolarity in the international system. But the present conflict between Russia and Ukraine has put this relationship under close scrutiny, both from Western countries and from other international actors who want to see countries adopt a more strict international position on the
war. India has resisted pressure from other countries by maintaining a balanced stance that aims to protect its long-term strategic goals.
Historical Reference and tactical Relevance
Since the Cold War, India and Russia have had a steady relationship, with the Soviet Union being one of India’s closest friends. Military and technological cooperation, especially in the 1960s and 1970s, enhanced this relationship. Russia has become a key tenet of India’s multi-alignment policy as a result of this partnership, which has expanded into fields like defense, energy, nuclear cooperation, and counterterrorism. India sees its relationship with Russia as essential to preserving Asia’s strategic balance in the modern world order. China’s growing influence in the region is counterbalanced by Russia, and the two countries have collaborated on multilateral platforms including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the BRICS . Furthermore, Russia continues to be a major
supplier of crude oil and military hardware to India, a region in which the West, especially the United States, has had little luck displacing Russian influence.
India’s Stance on the Ukraine War India’s response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine was moderate and non-aligned. In keeping with its long-standing policy of non-interference and respect for sovereignty, India urged a peaceful settlement and underlined the importance of communication. India expressed worry
about the humanitarian situation and demanded an early end to hostilities, but it did not explicitly denounce Russia. Hence , India has been viewing its Relations with Ukraine and Russia from a De-Hyphenated lens . Western powers in particular have criticized this “cautious attitude”. Citing India’s longstanding adherence to international law and its expanding Western alliances, particularly in thwarting China’s growth, the US and EU have urged India to adopt a more assertive posture against Russia. India has refused to support the Western sanctions on Russia in spite of this pressure, claiming that it must safeguard its national interests, such as energy security, defense procurement, and the stability of its international ties over the long run.
Strategic Calculus: Why Coherence is Weighted
For India to achieve its larger strategic goals, a solid India-Russian relationship must continue. First off, India’s military preparedness depends on Russia as a dependable partner for obtaining defense supplies, such as cutting-edge systems like the S-400 missile defense system. Russia continues to be a major source of military innovation and capacity since the West is reluctant to provide India advanced technologies because of worries about human rights and strategic
alignments. Second, India has benefited greatly from Russia’s cheap oil supplies, which have helped to offset rising energy costs in light of the global energy crisis made worse by the warlike conditions in West Asia. In turn, India’s economic stability and prosperity depend on its energy security. Thirdly, the core of India’s diplomatic approach is keeping a diverse group of partners in order to protect itself from possible threats from any one bloc. India avoids being compelled to choose between the West and Russia, which would limit its strategic autonomy, by keeping close connections with Russia. The Road Ahead In a nutshell India’s connection with Russia is still essential to both its national security and its larger foreign policy goals, despite being hampered by the geopolitical dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine. For India to maintain a stable, diversified foreign policy that optimizes its strategic options, this alliance must continue. The intricacy of India’s diplomatic orientation is highlighted by the balancing act it is doing between its long-standing ties to Russia, its developing partnership with the West, and its place in international organizations. India will need to maintain this delicate balance as it negotiates a world order that is becoming more and more divided.
Author: Ms. Anadhi Sharma, Bachelor in Political Science, Hindu College, University of Delhi
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