India’s Prime Minister’s visit to Russia and its implications

Source: The post India’s Prime Minister’s visit to Russia and its implications has been created, based on the article “The ‘geo-calculus’ of the Moscow visit” published in “The Hindu” on 26th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- international relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Context: The article discusses Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia and its implications. The visit signals India’s support for Russia despite criticism from the U.S. and Europe. It highlights India’s strategic choices, economic ties, and the geopolitical importance of maintaining a relationship with Russia.

For detailed information on India-Russia Relations read this article here

How did the U.S. and Europe react to India’s Prime Minister’s visit to Russia?

1. The U.S. and Europe reacted with criticism and disappointment to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia.
2. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy sharply criticized the visit.
3. The U.S. State Department, National Security Adviser, and U.S. Ambassador to India expressed their disappointment.
4. Despite these reactions, India emphasized its “freedom of choice” in foreign relations. India abstained from over 20 United Nations votes condemning Russia, including a recent vote on July 11 after a missile attack on a children’s hospital.

How does this affect India’s relations with other countries?

1. Modi’s visit to Russia signals a priority for relations with Russia over a joint appearance with China’s President at the SCO Summit.
2. This could affect India’s relations with Indo-Pacific partners and its role in groups like Quad (India, Japan, Australia, U.S.) and AUKUS (Australia-U.K.-U.S.).
3. The U.S. has forged new partnerships like AUKUS and engaged “Quad Plus” countries, which may limit India’s influence.
4. The visit underscores India’s strategic autonomy, balancing its ties with Russia and Western countries.

What are the economic implications?

1. Trade between India and Russia grew by 66% to $65 billion last year. India’s imports of discounted Russian oil are a key factor in this trade growth.
2. Both countries are working on payment mechanisms to sustain this trade amid Western sanctions.
3. The joint statement mentioned cooperation in Russia’s Far East, focusing on energy supplies and commodity exports.
4. The Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor aims to enhance trade routes.
5. Investments include Rosneft’s $23 billion stake in India’s Vadinar refinery and Indian investments in Russian oil fields worth $15 billion.
6. These economic ties help balance the trade deficit and support mutual investments.

What is the strategic significance?

1. India’s strategic autonomy was highlighted through this visit. The focus is on new connectivity routes like the North Sea trade route, avoiding reliance on Iran-led corridors.
2. Military hardware imports from Russia are decreasing, but economic strategies strengthen bilateral ties.
3. India’s bet on the enduring relationship with Russia may be tested by future developments in the Ukraine war and global political changes.

Way forward

The visit underscores India’s strategic positioning between major global powers. It shows India’s willingness to maintain and strengthen its ties with Russia, balancing its relationships with Western countries and China, while navigating ongoing global conflicts and economic sanctions.

Question for practice:

Examine how Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia reflects India’s approach to balancing its international relations amid global criticisms and economic considerations.