The Indian PM is embarking on a two-day visit to Moscow, aiming to strengthen the longstanding relationship between India and Russia. During this visit, the Prime Minister will engage in high-level talks with Russian leaders, focusing on key areas such as trade, defense, energy, and cultural exchange. This visit is expected to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two nations, fostering closer economic ties and collaboration on global issues. The meetings and agreements made during this visit could have significant implications for both countries, enhancing mutual cooperation and understanding.
Tags: IR- india Bilateral relation, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India .
Why in the News?
- Recently, the Indian Prime Minister is embarking on a crucial two-day visit to Moscow for the annual India-Russia summit, a tradition dating back to 2000.
What Makes the Indian PM’s Visit to Russia Special this Time?
- First visit since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:
- This marks the first bilateral meeting between the Indian PM and Russian President Vladimir Putin since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
- The two leaders have met a total of 16 times since 2014.
- The Indian PM’s last visit to Russia was for the Eastern Economic Forum meeting in Vladivostok in September 2019.
- The Russian President’s last visit to India was in December 2021 for the annual bilateral summit.
- Breaking with tradition:
- By choosing Russia for his first bilateral visit after assuming office, the Indian PM departs from the tradition of new Indian PMs typically visiting neighbouring countries first.
- For instance, in June 2014, he visited Bhutan, and in June 2019, he visited Maldives and Sri Lanka.
- Last month, he travelled to Italy for a multilateral meeting of G7 leaders, marking another recent international engagement.
Significance of the Indian PM’s Visit to Russia:
- Foreign policy priority:
- The relationship between Russia and India spans seven decades, rooted in the generosity and friendship of the USSR era. While defence remains the cornerstone of their strategic partnership, collaboration in space and nuclear sectors also holds significant importance.
- Global context:
- The bilateral meeting coincides with a gathering of leaders from 32 NATO nations in Washington DC, marking 75 years of the alliance, highlighting the global significance of India-Russia relations.
- Russia’s relations with China:
- As India diversifies its global relationships, its ties with Russia have faced challenges in some areas. Meanwhile, Russia’s deepening ties with China have provided diplomatic and economic support amid Western sanctions linked to the Ukraine conflict. India remains vigilant in ensuring that military technologies shared with it by Russia are not transferred to other countries, including China.
Key Areas of Engagement Between India and Russia:
- Defence:
- During the Cold War era, the USSR was India’s primary supplier of defence equipment. Currently, an estimated 60-70% of India’s defence equipment is of Russian and Soviet origin.
- Defence cooperation has progressed from a buyer-seller relationship to include joint research and development, co-development, and joint production.
- India and Russia have agreements covering the supply of S-400 Triumf mobile surface-to-air missile systems, MiG-29 fighter aircraft, and Kamov helicopters.
- The licensed production of T-90 tanks, Su-30MKI fighters, AK-203 assault rifles, and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
- The INS Vikramaditya, one of India’s two aircraft carriers, originated as the Soviet and Russian warship Admiral Gorshkov.
- Oil trade:
- Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, India has increased its purchase of Russian oil at discounted rates to mitigate the inflationary impact of rising crude prices.
- Despite international criticism, India’s External Affairs Minister has affirmed the country’s commitment to continue buying Russian oil in the interest of Indian consumers.
- Trade:
- Bilateral trade volumes between India and Russia have surpassed expectations, reaching an all-time high of $65.70 billion in FY 2023-24, surpassing the earlier target of $30 billion by 2025.
Challenges for India in Maintaining its Ties with Russia:
- Trade imbalance:
- India’s imports from Russia total $61.44 billion, dominated by Russian oil, petroleum products, fertilisers, mineral resources, precious stones, metals, and vegetable oils, resulting in a significant trade deficit.
- Diplomatic balancing act:
- India has refrained from explicitly condemning Russia’s invasion but has expressed concerns over threats of nuclear conflict issued by Russian leaders.
- India has abstained from voting against Russia in several UN Security Council resolutions.
- Maintaining relations with Western nations:
- India’s stance during the Russia-Ukraine conflict has strained its relations with Western allies, evidenced by a series of recent meetings with them preceding the Indian PM’s visit to Russia.
- Mediator role:
- There is a perception that India is positioning itself as a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine, seeking to facilitate dialogue.
- Safety of Indians in Russia:
- Some Indians in Russia are reported to have been misled into participating in the conflict in Ukraine.
- India has called for their safe return, and this issue is expected to be addressed during the Indian PM’s visit.
Way Ahead for India:
- India’s primary focus remains on sustaining its defence relationship with Russia. Addressing the growing Moscow-Beijing alliance, which poses challenges to Indian strategic interests. The Indian PM’s visit aims to:
- Strengthen the longstanding ties between India and Russia.
- Ensure that the burgeoning Moscow-Beijing relationship does not negatively impact India’s bilateral relations with Russia.
Source: TOI
FAQs
Q: Why is the Indian PM visiting Moscow?
- Answer: The Indian Prime Minister is visiting Moscow to strengthen diplomatic relations between India and Russia. The visit includes discussions on trade, defense cooperation, energy projects, and cultural exchanges.
Q: What are the main topics of discussion during this visit?
- Answer: The main topics of discussion include enhancing trade ties, boosting defense collaboration, exploring energy partnerships, and addressing global issues like climate change and terrorism.
Q: How will this visit benefit India?
- Answer: This visit aims to benefit India by securing better trade deals, gaining access to advanced defense technology, collaborating on energy projects, and fostering stronger diplomatic ties with Russia, which can support India’s global strategic interests.
Q: Will any agreements be signed during this visit?
- Answer: Yes, several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed, covering areas like defense cooperation, trade enhancement, cultural exchanges, and scientific collaborations.
Q: What is the significance of India-Russia relations?
- Answer: India-Russia relations are significant due to their historical partnership and mutual interests in areas like defense, energy, and geopolitics. Strengthening these ties helps India maintain a balanced foreign policy and access critical resources and technologies.
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