India-Russia summit recognised that each needs the other, and that the drift in bilateral ties needs to be arrested

News: Recently, 21st India – Russia Annual summit took place. The summit highlighted the “all-weather” partnership between India and Russia.

What are the challenges in India-Russia relations?

1. Despite considerable progress with vaccinations, both countries still face public health concerns and face challenges in controlling the pandemic, 2. Issues with US-Russia ties: Most recently, U.S. President mentioned that Russia will face “economy-jarring sanctions” if it seeks to occupy Ukraine, 3. An uneasy truce between India and China on the border.

Other issues such as 1. India-Russia Relations remains primarily state-led with limited involvement of private players, 2. There are no agreements between India and Russia on the new-economy front such as fintech, renewable energy, telecom, etc in the recent meeting, 3. As the Taliban took Kabul, Russia became part of a new axis with Pakistan, China, Iran and Turkey, presenting a serious security challenge to India.

Why does Russia need India?

After Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia is not particularly welcomed in many parts of the world beyond China. Not Europe, US or Japan or Australia. Further, India is the most welcoming US ally nation and the only real friend among the Quad nations for Russia.

Russia’s close relations with China undermines its own interests in Asia. So, India can prevent Russia from falling into the Chinese basket.

Why does India need Russia?

Indian equipment is mostly of Russian extraction, so it requires spares, upgrades, and other forms of service back up.

What should be done?

Russia has to ensure a proper focus on confidence-boosting cooperative initiatives with India.

A 2019 agreement to re-operationalise a defunct sea route between Chennai and Vladivostok, could be a game-changer, both for trade and for the strategic relationship. So, both nations have to implement it at a faster pace.

Source: This post is based on the following articles:

“A robust friendship” published in The Hindu on 8th December 2021.

“India-Russia summit recognised that each needs the other, and that the drift in bilateral ties needs to be arrested” published in Indian Express on 8th December 2021.

“Balancing Acts” published in Business Standard on 8th December 2021.

“From Russia, With What?” published in the Times of India on 8th December 2021.

“An autonomous foreign policy is best for India” published in the Livemint on 8th December 2021.