GS Paper 2
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: HT
Direction: The article highlights the major dimensions of India-Russia relations to mark the 30th anniversary of the Indo-Russian Friendship Treaty of 1993
Context: The Russian ambassador expressed doubt about the US’s reliability as a partner for India and emphasized the trusted relationship between Russia and India at an event marking the 30th anniversary of the Indo-Russian Friendship Treaty 1993
Highlights of the Russian ambassador’s speech:
- India and Russia had “always been on the same page”, which contrasted with the US approach to India (during the Cold war era)
- Russia has very close cooperation with China, but this will never overshadow the close ties that India-Russia enjoys.
- Russia would like to see the normalisation of India-China relations as this will benefit global and Asian security.
- Russia wants to expand its economic presence in Pakistan, however, it will never do anything detrimental to India.
- Russia has a limited defence relationship with Pakistan that is directed towards counter-terrorism. A weak Pakistan would not be a better choice for the region, for India or for Afghanistan.
| Important dimensions of India-Russia relations | |
| Political Relations | The Annual Summit meeting between the PM of India and the Russian President is the highest institutionalised dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership. |
| International/Multilateral Organisations and Connectivity Projects | ● BRICS, SCO, NSG, UNSG
● International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) – the key connectivity link between Russia and India via Iran |
| Defence and Security Cooperation | ● India-Russia military-technical cooperation has evolved from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research, development and production of advanced defence technologies and systems.
● For example, the BrahMos Missile System licensed the production of SU-30 aircraft and T-90 tanks. ● Both signed the $5.4-billion deal for five S-400 batteries in 2018, and all deliveries were to be completed in a five-year period. ● Tri-Services exercise – ‘INDRA’ |
| Trade and Economic Relations | A key priority, as is clear by the revised targets of increasing bilateral investment to US $ 50 billion and bilateral trade to US $ 30 billion by 2025. |
| Nuclear Energy | In 2014, both signed the Strategic Vision for strengthening cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is being built in India with Russian cooperation. |
| Space Cooperation | Both sides cooperate in the peaceful uses of outer space. An MoU ISRO and ROSCOSMOS on Joint Activities in the field of Human Spaceflight Programme (Gaganyaan) was signed |
| Science & Technology | ● The Working Group on S&T functioning under IRIGC-TEC, the Integrated Long Term Programme (ILTP) and the Basic Science Cooperation Programme are the three main institutional mechanisms.
● Initiatives – Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), GIAN, and the Russia-India Network (RIN) of Universities. |
| Cultural Cooperation | There is a strong tradition of Indian studies in Russia. There is strong interest among Russian people in Indian dance, music, yoga and Ayurveda. |
Timeline of India-Russia Relations:
Insta Links: India-Russia relations
Mains Links:
- What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC 2020)
