Why India Maintains Strong Ties with Russia
Geopolitical and economic factors keep India-Russia relations intact despite global pressures.
1Historical Foundations
India and Russia have shared a strong bilateral relationship since the Cold War era. The 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation laid the groundwork for decades of collaboration. During India's conflicts with Pakistan and China, Soviet support was pivotal. This historical bond continues to influence contemporary diplomatic ties, making a sudden breakup unlikely.
2Energy Dependence
Russia is a key supplier of oil and gas to India, accounting for over 30% of its crude oil imports. Post-Ukraine war, India capitalized on discounted Russian oil, saving billions. The two nations are also collaborating on nuclear energy projects, including the Kudankulam plant. This energy interdependence makes Russia a critical partner for India's growth and energy security.
3Defense Collaboration
Nearly 60% of India's military hardware is of Russian origin, including the S-400 missile system. Joint ventures like BrahMos Aerospace highlight deep defense ties. Sanctions on Russia have complicated arms deals, but India continues to prioritize maintenance and spare parts agreements. Diversifying suppliers is slow, ensuring Russia's relevance in India's defense strategy.
4Geopolitical Balancing
India walks a tightrope between Western allies and Russia. While deepening ties with the U.S., it avoids alienating Moscow to prevent pushing Russia closer to China. This balancing act is crucial for India's multipolar world vision. The Quad alliance with the U.S., Japan, and Australia coexists with India's participation in BRICS summits alongside Russia and China.
5Economic Incentives
Bilateral trade hit $65 billion in 2023, driven by oil and fertilizers. Rupee-ruble trade mechanisms bypass Western sanctions, facilitating commerce. India exports pharmaceuticals and electronics to Russia, while importing raw materials. Both nations benefit from this economic symbiosis, creating mutual incentives to sustain the relationship despite global scrutiny.
6Diplomatic Support
Russia has consistently backed India's UN Security Council aspirations and Kashmir stance. In return, India abstains from UN votes condemning Russia's Ukraine actions. This quid-pro-quo dynamic reinforces their partnership. Shared positions on multilateralism and non-interference further align their diplomatic strategies on global platforms.
7China Factor
India views Russia as a potential counterbalance to China's dominance in Eurasia. While Russia-China ties have strengthened, India leverages historical trust to prevent a Moscow-Beijing axis against its interests. Maintaining relations with Russia provides India strategic options amid border tensions with China and Pakistan's proximity to Beijing.
8Future Trajectory
India-Russia relations will likely endure due to entrenched interdependencies. While diversifying partnerships, India cannot abruptly replace Russia's role in defense and energy. Global realignments may test the relationship, but pragmatic interests will prevail. The partnership exemplifies how historical ties and realpolitik override ideological pressures in international relations.
Original article: Bloomberg Originals — Why India Maintains Strong Ties with Russia