- Ever since India attained independence in 1947, one of the most enduring bilateral relationships New Delhi has sustained must be between us and Russia, the erstwhile USSR. The relationshipcontinues to remain steady despite encountering geopolitical and geostrategic upheavals courtesy of fast-altering equations. As we know, the multipolar world order among the top five has gradually paved the way for a bipolar one, with China staking a claim for the zenith alongside the USA. Fortunately or unfortunately, Russia has not gained the desired strength in commensurate with the envisioned expectations. But has remained a force to reckon with even now, despite facing innumerable challenges in the form of sanctions for its aggressive stance against Ukraine.
PC: Adda 247 Current Affairs
- In all this, the India-Russia bilateral relationship has continued to show steadiness, even as our reliance on military inventory hasn’t seen much of a change. Of course, Russia under President Vladimir Putin has exhibited enduring strength vis-à-vis international sanctions, backlashes, and isolation for its conflict with Ukraine. Incredulously, the sanctions have had a limited effect on the Russian strongman even as President Donald Trump makes innumerable efforts to usher in a much-needed truce between Russia and Ukraine. As we recollect, before the advent of Trump to the presidency, the bilateral relationship between India and the USA was on an upward swing. Trump has stalled the progress with his ill-advised and irrational tariffs/sanctions.
PC: Education News
- Of course, India’s energy requirements were largely met by Russia when the international community imposed severe sanctions in the back of the Ukraine conflict. With the USA imposing an additional 25% tariff on India for purchasing Russian energy, the situation stands delicately poised. However, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin have shown enough statesmanship to wade through rough waters by continuing to meet at various forums. In one such endeavour, both leaders had an important meeting recently in India, coming at a time when the world’s politics are changing fast. The meeting showed that both countries want to make their own decisions, without being controlled by bigger powers.
PC: The Hindu
- Russia wishes to show it isn’t isolated or totally dependent on China after the Russia-Ukraine war. Also, India wishes for more freedom while dealing with the US on tough trade talks without compromising on domestic interests. The leaders talked about the Ukraine war. Modi again mentioned that he supports any effort to bring peace. This matters because the longer the war continues, the more Russia depends on China, something both India and Western countries worry about. Further, the meeting also emphasized that both countries strengthen their partnership in more areas. Importantly, discussion about a plan to expand economic cooperation beyond just defence and energy makes for pragmatic reading. Russia will remain India’s trusted partner.
