Why India's bond with Russia remains strong | DW News

Key Concepts

• India-Russia Relations
• Cold War History
• Defense Cooperation
• Energy Imports (Russian Oil)
• Strategic Autonomy
• Non-Alignment Policy
• Multipolarism
• Western Pressure (US & EU)
• Ukraine War Neutrality
• Public Opinion on Russia/Putin

India-Russia Relationship: A Deep-Rooted Alliance

The enduring relationship between India and Russia, symbolized by the leaders' embrace, is not merely symbolic but is a bond forged over decades, tracing its origins back to India's independence and the Cold War era when Russia was part of the Soviet Union. This historical context is crucial to understanding the current dynamics, particularly in the face of significant pressure from the US and EU for India to curtail its purchase of Russian oil.

Defense Sector: A Cornerstone of Cooperation

• Historical Significance: Soviet Russia played a pivotal role in India's developmental trajectory, with the defense sector being a particularly vital area.
• Current Dominance: Even today, Russia's defense inventory in India surpasses that of any other nation.
• Future Prospects: Following the retirement of India's last Russian MiG-21 fighter jets in September, discussions have emerged regarding joint production of another combat aircraft, highlighting the continued importance of this sector.

India's Stance on Western Scrutiny

India expresses strong sensitivity to any form of "lecturing" from the West, particularly concerning issues such as alleged human rights violations, religious freedom, or the nature of Indian democracy. This sentiment is contrasted with Russia's historical approach, which has never involved lecturing India on such matters.

Mutual Loyalty and Strategic Alignment

• Russia's Support for India: Russia has consistently supported India during hostilities concerning the divided Kashmir region and after the 1998 nuclear tests, which led to US-led sanctions against India.
• India's Reciprocity: India has repaid this loyalty by maintaining a neutral stance in the ongoing Ukraine war, a conflict many in India perceive as linked to NATO's eastward expansion.

Energy Imports and Western Hypocrisy

• Post-Ukraine Invasion: Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, India emerged as the second-largest buyer of discounted Russian crude oil, trailing only China.
• Western Double Standards: Unlike China, India has been specifically targeted by the West, facing a 50% US tariff on most goods. This has led to observations of Western hypocrisy, with the argument that China is purchasing significantly more oil, and Europe itself is maintaining its economic ties with Russia.

Non-Alignment and Strategic Autonomy

• Historical Policy: Since its independence, India has adhered to a policy of non-alignment, deliberately staying out of geopolitical blocs to safeguard its strategic autonomy.
• Multipolarism: The concept of multipolarity is not considered an empty phrase but a tangible goal actively pursued by countries like India, Russia, and China.

Public Opinion: A Mirror to Government Policy

Public opinion in India largely aligns with the government's foreign policy decisions. Russia continues to enjoy popularity in India, as does President Vladimir Putin. A recent Pew Research study indicated that nearly 60% of Indians hold a positive view of Putin, even amidst the war in Ukraine.

Conclusion

The India-Russia relationship is a complex and deeply entrenched partnership built on historical support, mutual strategic interests, and a shared skepticism of Western dominance. While facing external pressures, particularly regarding energy and defense ties, India remains committed to its policy of strategic autonomy and non-alignment, a stance that resonates with a significant portion of its population. The ongoing geopolitical landscape continues to test and shape this enduring alliance.