India and Russia have maintained a consistently warm and cooperative relationship, unaffected by shifts in Indian politics or changes within the Russian Federation. “For us, Russia is a valued partner, a time-tested partner. It is a relationship from which both India and Russia have benefited enormously,” Foreign Minister Jaishankar said during his latest visit to Russia in December 2023.

The foundation of the Indo-Russian relationship lies in their shared geopolitical and strategic objectives. This includes a history of military cooperation, a joint commitment to promoting a multipolar global order, a mutual interest in countering threats from neighbouring states, and a continuous balancing of the United States.

Historical Background

• During the Soviet era, India benefited from robust backing from the USSR, helping us achieve economic independence and foster collaboration in defence and space endeavours.
• The Treaty of Peace and Friendship, established in 1971, served to cement this enduring relationship. Subsequently, the Declaration on Strategic Partnership in 2000 further fortified bilateral ties.
• In a significant development in 2010, the Strategic Partnership between the two nations was elevated to the esteemed status of a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”

Areas of Indo-Russian Cooperation

India-Russia ties have acquired a qualitatively new character with enhanced levels of cooperation in almost all areas of the bilateral relationship including politics, security, trade and economy, defence, science and technology, and culture, as explained below:

Political relations

• The India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC) has two divisions – the Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation and the Military & Military-Technical Cooperation.
• In 2021, a new dimension to the bilateral cooperation was added with the first 2+2 Dialogue (Foreign and Defence Ministers of both countries) taking place.
• Both countries remain in touch at multilateral engagements as well. For example, they met on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Jakarta, BRICS in South Africa, SCO in Goa, and G20 in New Delhi in 2023.

Trade and Economic relations

• In April-December 2022, the bilateral trade reached an all-time high of $45 billion with a trade deficit of $35bn in Russia’s favour.
• Major items of export from India include pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, electrical machinery and mechanical appliances, iron & steel, etc.
• Major items of import from Russia include oil and petroleum products, fertilizers, mineral resources, precious stones and metals, vegetable oils, etc.

Defence and security cooperation

India has longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation with Russia in the field of defence and is guided by the Agreement on the Programme for Military-Technical Cooperation.

• The Agreement for 2021-2031 was signed during the inaugural meeting of India-Russia 2+2 Dialogue which was held in Delhi in 2021.
• Bilateral projects include the supply of S-400, licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30 MKI, supply of MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters, production of Ak-203 rifles in India and BrahMos missiles, etc.

Science and technology cooperation

After India’s independence, the erstwhile Soviet Union’s assistance was crucial to the establishment of the Bhilai Steel Plant, the Indian Institute of Technology (Bombay), and India’s space program.

Today, India and Russia work together on basic sciences, materials science, mathematics, and cutting-edge areas like

• India’s manned spaceflight program (Gaganyaan),
• Nanotechnologies and
• Quantum computing.

Nuclear Energy

The two countries signed their first nuclear cooperation agreement in 1963 and in 1988, both agreed to build a nuclear power plant in India.

• In 2009, India and Russia signed a landmark agreement to build 12 nuclear power reactors in India.
• The first of these reactors, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1, was commissioned in 2016. The remaining reactors are under construction and are expected to be completed by 2030.
• Both India and Russia are implementing the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project in Bangladesh.
• In 2018, the two countries signed an agreement to jointly develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).SMRs are small, efficient nuclear reactors that can be used to generate electricity or to produce heat for industrial applications.

Terrorism

India and Russia have agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation in bilateral as well as multilateral platforms.

• Russia praised India’s role as Chair of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee in 2022 and the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, which focused on countering the use of new technologies for terrorist purposes.
• “The Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Terrorism and Organised Crime” signed in 2017 is a step towards consolidating the benefits accrued in the field of security and seeks to jointly fight the new and evolving risks and threats. This would reinforce the relationship through the exchange and sharing of information, expertise, and best practices, and would help in curbing terrorism and enhancing security in the region.
• Russia supports India in combating terrorism and backs India’s proposal of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

Cyber Security

• Agreement on Cooperation in International Information Security: It signifies their commitment to work together in the realm of cyber security.
• Combatting Radicalization and Cyber Terrorism: Both countries have been actively working on closer coordination to combat radicalization and cyber terrorism facilitated through social media platforms by groups like the Islamic State (IS), as well as Pakistan-based outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen, and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
• Collaboration with Russian Quantum Center (RQC): RQC plans to provide ‘quantum cryptography,’ a cutting-edge technology that can significantly bolster information security in sectors like banking, national security, and homeland security.
• Quantum cryptography relies on the principles of quantum mechanics and the intrinsic properties of individual particles or waves of light (photons) to develop an unbreakable cryptosystem, making it highly secure against hacking attempts.

Education

Education is a major source for the Indian population in Russia. As per most recent data, there are around 25,000 Indian nationals of which a majority are Indian students studying medicine.

Cultural cooperation

• In recent times, Indian cinema has begun to make a gradual comeback with more frequent film screenings across Russia.
• Yoga is immensely popular across Russia as well with very enthusiastic and large gatherings of participants each year on International Day of Yoga.

Challenges in India-Russia Relationship

The India-Russia relationship faces several challenges, which, if not managed effectively, could impact the depth and scope of their bilateral cooperation. Some of these challenges include:

Economic Challenges:

• The high trade deficit between the two nations. The regulatory impediments and the use of phytosanitary standards and non-tariff barriers by Russia add to it.
• Russia classifies tea as fruit and vegetable, leading to more phytosanitary restrictions.
• The increased oil purchases in 2022 and the strengthening of the Russian Ruble against the Indian Rupee will increase the deficit.

Defence Challenges

• Quest for Reducing India’s dependence on Russia: India needs to reduce its defence supplies from Russia due to several reasons:

1. Defence modernization,
2. Diversification
3. To avoid USA sanctions under CAATSA.

• Delays: Several defence projects between India and Russia have faced delays and cost overruns, leading to frustrations on both sides. Examples include the joint development of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) and the production of the S-400 air defence system.
• India and US: India faces complex geopolitical challenges as it navigates between supporting Russia and aligning with the US in countering China’s rise in the Indo-Pacific, potentially impacting its role in regional dynamics.
• Russia- Pakistan-China Axis: Russia, facing sanctions, is working to rebuild its influence by strengthening ties with China and Pakistan, focusing on defence, intelligence, energy, and cultural exchanges. This growing alliance poses a challenge to India’s Eurasian strategies, as Pakistan could intensify its anti-India activities by aligning more closely with Russia in the Eurasian region.
• India- EU: Since Russia invaded Ukraine, India has significantly increased its purchase of discounted Russian crude oil, subsequently selling refined fuels to Europe, potentially leading to stricter EU policies towards India.
• Divergent Geopolitical Priorities: India’s growing alignment with the United States and its increasing participation in initiatives like the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) contrast with Russia’s adversarial relationship with the U.S. and its scepticism towards multilateral security arrangements perceived as aimed at containing Russia and China.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Issues

1. Inadequate transportation infrastructure and connectivity can impede the smooth flow of goods between India and Russia.
2. The absence of a direct trade route and high shipping costs make exports to Russia a costly affair for India, as it doesn’t share a land border with Russia, unlike China.

Way Forward

Balancing the Defence Dynamics

• Enhance Defence Collaboration:Continue the strategic defence partnership, with a focus on modernizing and diversifying the defence collaboration.
• Joint Military Production: The two countries have been discussing how they can cooperate in using India as a production basefor exporting to third countries Russian-origin equipment and services. For instance, India and Russia have formed a joint venture for the production of Brahmos missiles.

Facilitating Economic Engagement

• Diversification of Economic Ties: Both countries should focus on diversifying and expanding their economic relations. This includes exploring new sectors for collaboration, increasing trade volumes, and encouraging investments.
• Trade Facilitation: Both countries should work towards reducing trade barriers and simplifying trade processes. Enhance economic collaboration by creating a conducive environment for businesses from both countries to operate smoothly.
• Rupee-Ruble Mechanism: Both sides need to resort to the Rupee-Ruble mechanism to safeguard bilateral trade from the impact of Western sanctions.

Balancing the Global Dynamics

• Multilateral Engagement: Coordinate closely in multilateral forums such as BRICS and the SCO. Collaborate on global issues, advocate for shared values and principles and work together to address common challenges on the international stage.
• Institutional Mechanisms: Strengthen institutional mechanisms for regular dialogue and collaboration. This includes enhancing the effectiveness of existing agreements and creating new platforms for engagement at various levels, from government officials to business leaders.

Forging Technological Cooperation

• Innovation and Technology Cooperation: Foster collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, space exploration, cybersecurity, and renewable energy. Joint research and development initiatives can lead to technological advancements beneficial to both countries.
• Energy Security: Explore opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector, including joint ventures in oil and gas exploration, renewable energy projects, and the development of energy infrastructure. Addressing energy security concerns can be mutually beneficial.

Promoting Cultural Connectivity

• Yoga and Cultural Diplomacy: Leverage the popularity of Yoga in Russia to enhance cultural diplomacy. Promote cultural events, language education, and exchanges to deepen the understanding of each other’s cultures.
• Public Diplomacy: Engage in public diplomacy efforts to create awareness and understanding of the bilateral relationship among the citizens of both countries. Utilize media, social platforms, and cultural events to promote positive narratives.

Conclusion

India-Russia relationship stands resilient amid global shifts, grounded in trust and common interests. Amidst these dynamics, fostering resilience, open communication, and a shared commitment to global peace will determine the success of India-Russia relations in the years ahead. The Indian Foreign Minister rightly held that “Geopolitics and strategic convergence will always keep India-Russia ties on a positive trajectory.”