India – Russia Relations: 78 Years of Diplomatic Ties

Syllabus: GS2/International Relation

Context

• Recently, the Russian Embassy in India witnessed a vibrant cycle rally commemorating the 78th anniversary of India-Russia diplomatic relations.
  • The rally marked the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

About the India-Russia Relations

• Historical Overview:
  • 1947: India and the USSR established diplomatic relations just months before India gained independence in August 1947.
  • Cold War Period (1947-1991): The USSR emerged as a reliable ally for India, especially during times of Western hostility.
    • Both signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation (1971) that laid the foundation for a strategic partnership.
    • 1991: India recognised the Russian Federation after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
  • 1993: Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation
  • 2000: Declaration of Strategic Partnership
• Multi-Dimensional Cooperation Framework: India and Russia are bound by a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership (2010).
  • Over the years, it has expanded far beyond traditional military ties, integrating economic, energy, space, and educational cooperation.

Key Areas of Cooperation

Trade and Economic Relations:

• Bilateral Trade: Over US$60 Billion in 2024-25; ($50 Billion in 2023–24).
  • Main Imports from Russia: Crude oil, coal, fertilizers, and defense equipment.
  • Main Exports to Russia: Pharmaceuticals, electronics, iron & steel, tea, and coffee.
• Strategic and Defense Cooperation: It includes INS Tushil, S-400 Triumf missile systems, INS Vikramaditya, production of AK-203 Rifle, BrahMos Missile, submarines, tanks, and aircraft.
  • India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC): It continues to coordinate procurement, servicing, and joint R&D programs.

Political Support and Multilateral Forums:

• Support on Global Platforms: Russia reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

• Both countries coordinate in BRICS, SCO, and G20 to push for a multipolar global order.
• Russia is supportive of India’s Act Far East Policy and Indo-Pacific engagement.

Energy Security and Nuclear Cooperation:

• Nuclear Energy: Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, Tamil Nadu.
• In 2023-24, Russia was the India’s fourth-largest trade partner, largely driven by discounted oil imports (over 35% of India’s crude oil basket).
  • It is expected to exceed imports from Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Space and Technology Partnerships:

• Space Cooperation: Both are exploring partnerships in satellite navigation and human spaceflight.
• Satellite Navigation: India and Russia have agreed to cooperate on GLONASS and NavIC interoperability.
• Cybersecurity & AI: Emerging areas of cooperation include digital transformation, AI-based surveillance, and defense tech R&D.

Concerns & Challenges

• Geopolitical Pressures: Russia’s growing alignment with China, India’s regional rival, has raised concerns in India.
  • India’s strategic partnerships with Western nations, particularly the US, have added layers of complexity to its ties with Russia.
  • Payment mechanisms are a challenge due to Western sanctions on Russia, which restrict banking channels.
• Delay in Defense Equipment: Russia’s delayed delivery of the S-400 Triumf air defense system, largely due to the Ukraine conflict and related sanctions, has raised concerns in Indian defence circles.
  • India’s efforts to diversify its defense procurement sources could impact its reliance on Russian arms.
• Ukraine Conflict: India’s neutral stance on the Ukraine war has been criticized by Western allies, while Russia expects stronger support from India.
  • The conflict has also disrupted global supply chains, affecting bilateral trade.

Conclusion

• As India and Russia mark 78 years of diplomatic engagement, their relationship stands as a resilient example of strategic pragmatism. 
• From being Cold War-era allies to 21st-century strategic partners, the journey reflects adaptability, trust, and mutual benefit. 
• Despite shifting global dynamics, India-Russia ties are poised to remain strong, with new frontiers in trade, technology, and defense cooperation.

Source: CSR Journal