India Russia Relations

India’s concerns with Russia

Once “special and privileged strategic partnership” – present tilt towards China which has border disputes with India & close ties with Pakistan. Russia is also growing relations with Pakistan as it held its its first ever military exercises with Pakistan

Divergences between New Delhi and Moscow on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan
Russia did not back India’s demand to name two Pakistan-based terror groups as perpetrators of terrorism against India last year at the Goa BRICS summit
Russia favouring a role for the rebel Taliban in a future Afghanistan

On the other hand, Russia has been concerned at the rapidly warming ties between India and the US including the recent signing of a military logistics agreement.

Also read: India Japan Relations and India China Relations

Importance of India for Russia

A market for its goods to bypass Western sanctions imposed after its power push in Ukraine.
India is a natural partner for Russia & have been tried & tested in tough situation like Ukraine Crisis
India still remains the biggest importer of defence equipment from Russia
India is still a vast market for Russian energy resources & hydrocarbons
Despite its renewed friendship with China, Russia will soon find itself in competition with it as Beijing regards itself as the new G2 along with the US. India can help provide the multi-polarity that Russia fiercely seeks

Importance of Russia for India

It can meet its abundant energy requirements at a cost-effective price
India still needs to collaborate with Russia to master future technology in defence & space
India needs support of Russia to pursue nanotechnology on grand scale; an expertise of Russia worldwide
It improves India’s bargaining power when it negotiates arms sales with the West
Geopolitically, Russia continues to be a balancing force against China & Pakistan in our region.
Russia can be a major market for Indian industry such as pharmaceuticals, manufactured goods, dairy products, bovine meat and frozen seafood
Joint projects on exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in the Arctic shelf of Russia
Support for India’s bid for permanent membership in UNSCl and NSG

Russia- Pakistan Relations

Pakistan after independence joined western military block by signing SEATO & CENTO, thus making Pakistan and Russia Cold War rivals. However, only recently in 2014 Russia lifted its self-imposed arms embargo on Pakistan and signed a landmark military cooperation agreement.

Both the countries share a common threat i.e. Islamic State of Iraq and Levant
Increased coordination on combating Narcotic Trade
Handing over of Chechen Terrorist by Pakistan to Russia
Pakistan has offered Russia to use the new Gwadar port.
Russia which currently faces several sanctions after its aggression in Ukraine, is set to find new market for its defence equipment in Pakistan
Russia understands Pakistan’s crucial role in establishing resolving civil war in Afghanistan through dialogue with Taliban

Russia’s change in stance is evident of its re-energised role in Afghanistan. It can be seen as a positive step towards establishing peace in the neighbourhood. However, India should explore other sector of cooperation with Russia such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food processing etc. to improve its trade prospects.

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The General Framework Agreement for Kundankulam is still pending, India should move fast to safeguard its energy needs. Changing Geo-Political situation across Asia makes it important for India to balance its ties between US and Russia well, to maintain its leadership role in South-Asia.

✅ India–Russia Relations: 10 Key Points for UPSC

Historical Ties: India and Russia (formerly USSR) have maintained strong diplomatic relations since 1947, with the Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed in 1971, marking a major milestone during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Defense Cooperation: Russia is India’s largest defense supplier, accounting for over 60% of India’s arms imports. Major deals include S-400 missile systems, INS Vikramaditya, and BrahMos missile (jointly developed).
Strategic Partnership: The two countries share a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” since 2010, reflecting high-level cooperation across sectors.
Energy Collaboration: India invests in Russian oil and gas projects (e.g., Sakhalin-I) and both countries are exploring cooperation in nuclear energy and renewables.
Military Exercises: Joint exercises like INDRA (Army/Navy/Air Force) demonstrate defense synergy and trust between the two nations.
Space Cooperation: Russia has supported India’s space missions, including training Indian astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission.
Multilateral Engagement: India and Russia collaborate in forums like BRICS, SCO, Eurasian Economic Union, and G20, promoting a multipolar world order.
Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade remains below potential (~$13 billion), but both nations aim to boost it to $30 billion by 2025, focusing on pharma, IT, and infrastructure.
Ukraine Conflict Impact: Despite Western pressure, India has maintained a neutral stance, calling for diplomacy while continuing energy imports from Russia.
Balancing Global Relations: India balances ties with Russia while engaging with the U.S., EU, and QUAD, showcasing its strategic autonomy in foreign policy.

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