Valdai Club

During Prime Minister Modi’s visit vital decisions could be taken in the areas of military-technological cooperation and nuclear power sector as well as regarding the humanitarian ties.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Russia on 23rd -24th December, 2015 will be a significant event for India-Russia relationship. Russia was the first country with whom India established a strategic partnership in the year 2010 during the 11th Russia-India Summit. India and Russia further developed their relationship to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” status, indicating a mutual desire to emphasize the exceptional closeness of ties. In today’s complicated and changing geopolitical situation both countries have wisely diversified their foreign policy options, but have been careful not to abandon a mutually beneficial partnership and trust between two great Nations built up over decades.

In 2000 Russia became the first country with which India institutionalized the practice of stand-alone Annual Summits. The bilateral summit between India and Russia takes place every year alternately in Moscow and in New Delhi. The forthcoming summit will be the 16th annual bilateral summit. During the Summit there will be full-fledged discussion on various issues and concerns related to India-Russia bilateral relationship. The leaders of the two countries are expected to discuss and sign a number of important bilateral agreements, review the entire range of India-Russia bilateral ties and also lay down a broad agenda to be followed for the coming year for strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Russia.

Brief Historical Background

The Soviet Union consistently gave India valuable political, diplomatic and strategic support bilaterally as well as at international fora. India received Soviet diplomatic backing and material support and the confidence provided by the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation. In 1950s India received from the Soviet Union generous assistance for its industrialization process as well as support in the areas of defence, space and atomic energy. Some of today’s globally competitive public sector companies in India such as Bharat Heavy Electrical limited (BHEL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), as well as the steel industry in India were set up with Soviet support and cooperation. The Soviet Union helped India in many ways to become more self-reliant and was India’s true partner.

Present-day Relationship

Today, India-Russia relationship has many positive dimensions to provide fresh impetus to their cooperation and friendship. Cooperation in the defence sector is still the strongest link. Even today around 50% of the defence equipment used by the Indian armed forces is of Russian origin. India and Russia have similar views on many international issues. But trade & economic ties remain the weakest link in Indo-Russian cooperation. Both sides have expressed their intention to improve the trade cooperation in the coming years. It is expected that as soon as the International North South Corridor (INSTC) will start operating fully, this aim might be achieved faster. But there is still a number of challenges that need to be resolved. After the stringent visa regulations have been eased to a certain extent, the dynamic private sector in both countries was able to connect with each other more. Nonetheless, Indo-Russian cooperation can be boosted up even further if people to people contact can be increased and cultural as well as educational linkages can be enhanced.

There are two schools of thought regarding Indo-Russian relations; one considers the relationship with Russia significant for India while the other feels that when Russia is expanding its relationship with countries like China and Pakistan, India should not be shy in developing its ties with United States and other Western powers. However, there is the consensus among these two groups of experts that Russia is indeed a great partner of India and bilateral links need to be maintained.
The forthcoming 16th Annual Summit will reflect how India and Russia continue to value each other’s steadfast friendship. During Prime Minister Modi’s visit vital decisions could be taken in the areas of military-technological cooperation and nuclear power sector as well as regarding the humanitarian ties. India-Russia cooperation and friendship remain unaffected by any global developments. The meeting and discussion that will take place in Moscow between Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi will further strengthen the framework for cooperation between India and Russia.