India’s Relation’s With USSR/Russia

India’s relationship with the USSR (now Russia) has been one of its most enduring and strategic partnerships, shaped by historical ties, mutual interests, and shared perspectives on global issues. It has remained robust even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, evolving to address the challenges and opportunities of the post-Cold War era.

Historical Overview : India-USSR Relations

1. Early Cooperation:
   • India and the Soviet Union established diplomatic relations in 1947.
   • The USSR supported India’s industrial and scientific development, helping build infrastructure such as the Bhilai Steel Plant and fostering technological and educational exchanges.
2. Cold War Alignment:
   • While India officially pursued non-alignment, the USSR emerged as a critical partner due to:
     • Shared skepticism of Western dominance.
     • The USSR’s support for India in international forums, including on the Kashmir issue.
   • The Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation (1971) solidified the relationship, particularly during the Bangladesh Liberation War, when the USSR provided military and diplomatic backing against U.S.-supported Pakistan.
3. Economic and Defense Collaboration:
   • The USSR became India’s largest supplier of military equipment, with systems such as MiG fighter jets forming the backbone of the Indian Air Force.
   • Economic cooperation extended to trade in rupee terms, bypassing the need for hard currency, which was advantageous for India during its economic struggles.
4. Soviet Influence on India’s Policies:
   • India adopted elements of Soviet-style centralized planning in its economic policies.
   • Cultural exchanges flourished, with Soviet literature and media gaining popularity in India.

India-Russia Relations Post-1991

1. Continuity Amid Change:
   • After the dissolution of the USSR, Russia inherited its close ties with India.
   • Despite initial turbulence due to Russia’s internal economic challenges, the relationship revived in the mid-1990s.
2. Strategic Partnership:
   • The 1993 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation and the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership reinforced ties.
   • Annual India-Russia summits were institutionalized, covering defense, energy, trade, and cultural cooperation.
3. Defense Collaboration:
   • Russia remains India’s largest defense supplier, accounting for over 60% of India’s military imports.
   • Key acquisitions include:
     • S-400 air defense systems.
     • INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier.
     • BrahMos missile system (a joint venture).
   • Collaborative projects include the licensed production of Russian equipment in India under the “Make in India” initiative.
4. Energy Cooperation:
   • Russia is a key partner in India’s nuclear energy sector, with the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant being a flagship project.
   • Collaboration extends to oil and gas, with Indian investments in Russian energy assets, including in the Arctic region.
5. Geopolitical Alignment:
   • Russia supports India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and its inclusion in multilateral frameworks like the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
   • Both countries coordinate closely in organizations like BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the G20.

Challenges in India-Russia Relations

1. Shifting Global Dynamics:
   • Russia’s growing alignment with China poses strategic challenges for India, given India’s border disputes with China.
   • India’s deepening ties with the U.S., particularly under the Quad framework, create occasional friction.
2. Economic Imbalances:
   • Bilateral trade remains below potential, despite efforts to expand it. In 2022-23, it stood at around $49 billion, largely skewed in favor of Russia due to energy imports.
3. Western Sanctions on Russia:
   • The Ukraine conflict and subsequent Western sanctions on Russia have complicated India’s balancing act.
   • While India has maintained a neutral stance and continued importing Russian oil, it faces pressure from Western allies to reduce dependence on Moscow.

Key Features of India-Russia Relations

1. Defense Partnership: Cornerstone of the relationship, with continued collaboration on advanced weaponry and joint production.
2. Energy Security: Focus on nuclear energy and hydrocarbons to meet India’s growing energy demands.
3. Geopolitical Coordination: Shared interest in promoting multipolarity in global politics and resisting unilateral dominance.

Future Prospects

1. Diversification of Cooperation:
   • Expanding ties in emerging areas like space exploration, AI, and cybersecurity.
   • Strengthening economic ties through mechanisms like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Eurasian Economic Union.
2. Balancing Act:
   • India must carefully balance its deep ties with Russia and its growing partnership with Western nations, particularly the U.S.
3. Global Leadership:
   • Both nations will likely continue collaborating to shape global governance, particularly through platforms like BRICS and the SCO.

India-Russia relations remain rooted in mutual trust and a shared strategic vision, even as they adapt to evolving global and regional dynamics. The partnership is expected to continue as a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy.