In the backdrop of unexpected outcomes in the strategic chess and uncertainty looming in the new world order, the PM’s visit to Russia was a bold and tactical move. However, the need to fine-tune the relations with the West and to keep Russia within arm’s reach must have motivated Modi for this visit.
Multiple Goals
There had been no annual bilateral summits between Moscow and New Delhi over the past three years owing to pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war and Modi has broken this silence. The visit has given India an opportunity to justify her belief that war is not a solution to problems and explore the possibilities of ending the war without isolating Moscow. However, “peaceful resolution” of the conflict through “dialogue and diplomacy” was not the core agenda of the bilateral summit rather to forge India’s interests and enhance the bilateral relationship while also dispelling the notion that India-Russia friendship is waning. The visit must have also been a strategic move to leverage benefits India has gained from the Ukraine war and to use her ties with Russia to curb Chinese belligerence given the evolving
power balance between these nations. It is noteworthy that this visit has coincided with a churn of political developments globally, with Joe Biden’s candidacy facing backlash in the US, 75th anniversary celebrations of NATO at Washington, rise of a Labour PM in the UK and setback to the far-right party in the recent elections in France. This highlights India’s independent stance and the idea of strategic autonomy underpinning it.
Historical Relationship and Crucial Decisions
The India-Russia relationship is historical and relevant in today’s context. The fact that Russia is the world’s largest country, a significant nuclear power with a vast missile arsenal, and a permanent member of the United Nations adds to its significance. Cooperation with Russia will help safeguard our interests.
India’s need to maintain friendships with all prominent powers stems from her non-involvement in any military alliances and the ongoing threats from China and Pakistan. In defence cooperation, Russia still leads. Though India’s arms imports from Russia have drastically fallen from 76% in 2009-13 to 36% in 2019-23, it continues to be the largest arms supplier to India. India’s reliance on Russian technology for arms, the Kudankulam nuclear power plant, and submarines emphasises the need to stay allied with Russia until a new world order emerges. While engaging in military training with countries like America,
Australia, and Japan, India cannot completely distance herself from Russia. Modi’s visit facilitated progress in these areas. The joint statement between India and Russia clearly indicated that bilateral relations have seen gains. The statement reassured that the strategic partnership would only grow stronger. Both the leaders assessed the multifaceted and mutually beneficial relations between India and Russia, which encompass cooperation in various fields such as political and strategic, military and security, trade and investment, energy, science and technology, nuclear, space, culture, education, and humanitarian effort and intend to further cooperation in the arena of communication technologies. The unprecedented growth in trade and commercial ties, the potential for expansion into new areas, and the discussions on integrating the monetary systems of both countries were highlighted. A committee has been formed to ensure a steady supply of fertilisers to India.
While India imports worth $60 billion from Russia, it’s less than $5 billion for Moscow. To address this trade deficit, both the countries have stressed on the need to increase Indian exports to Russia so as to achieve a ‘balanced and sustainable trade’ by enhancing industrial cooperation, advancing new technological and investment partnerships particularly in advanced high-tech sectors, and exploring new avenues of collaboration. A bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion has been set to accelerate trade by 2030. Recognizing the importance of industrial cooperation in bilateral relations, both the sides have affirmed their commitment to strengthening manufacturing ties in transport, engineering, metallurgy, and the chemical industry. The joint statement also reads the intent of both countries to create
favourable conditions for joint projects in priority areas and highlight the need to expand trade in industrial products and increase their share in bilateral trade.
Also notable is the readiness expressed by both countries to expand the transport corridors, including implementing the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor to boost connectivity in the Eurasian space.
Developing shipping between Russia and India via the Northern Sea Route, which has been talked about, is likely to reduce the travel time and shipping costs compared to traditional routes and opens opportunities to transport commodities such as coal, crude oil, natural gas and fertilisers. Equally important is the decision to enhance cooperation in the space, aviation, military, energy, nuclear, education, science and technology sectors. Other areas of vital importance, such as terrorism and climate, were also addressed. Russia affirmed strong support for India’s efforts to become a permanent member of the Security Council. Overall, a detailed program for bilateral cooperation was drawn up, marking the most significant achievement of Modi’s visit. The fact that Russia and India intend to work together even at this stage is noteworthy for the world. While Western countries might express concern over Modi’s Russia visit, Modi and Putin are ready to take significant steps and send a strong message to the world. The visit has also opened vistas for New Delhi to act as a bridge between East and West and North and South with Modi as the trusted interlocutor considering the mood G7 has set in, also allowing her to pursue multi-alignment.
(Author is a student of International Affairs)
