India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar went on a five-day, On 25 December,  tour of Russia. The visit resulted in the signing of three agreements. On building new units of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

On cooperation in pharma and healthcare; and consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs in 2024-2028. The trade between both countries exceeds $50 billion.

 LEARNING FROM HOME/WITHOUT CLASSES/ BASICS

Relations between India and Russia are rooted in history, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. In 2000, during the visit of President Putin to India, the partnership acquired a new qualitative character, that of a Strategic Partnership.  

During  visit of the Russian President to India in December 2010, the Strategic Partnership was elevated to the level of a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”
2022 is special for both  as the countries mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. Moscow and New Delhi established diplomatic relations on April 13, 1947. Relations between both countries encompass diverse fields including Defence, Space, Nuclear energy and economic covering Bilateral and Multilateral forums.

Both countries cooperate closely within the United Nations, BRICS and G-20 groupings, as well as in the various structures in the Asia Pacific region such as ASEAN and East Asia Summit Forum. Russia supported India’s membership to the SCO(The Shanghai Cooperation Organization) and India was admitted as a full member of SCO in 2017. 

India-Russia military-technical cooperation has evolved from a simple buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research, development and production of advanced defence technologies and systems. Both countries are cooperating in the manufacture of the “Brahmos” missile system and licensed production in India of SU-30 aircraft and T-90 tanks. They reportedly plan to jointly manufacture AK-203 rifles, involving full technology transfer; buying Russia’s S-400 missile system – providing India with a sophisticated anti-aircraft weapon – Joint design and development of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft.

Emergency aid of Sputnik V covid vaccine and manufacture of Sputnik V in India.

To promote smoother and greater movement of businessmen, both  signed a protocol in December 2015 to simplify visa procedures.

Framework agreement on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, including satellite launches, GLONASS navigation, remote sensing and other societal applications of outer space. In June 2015, the space agencies have signed an MoU on expansion of cooperation in the field of the exploration. use of outer space for peaceful purposes. The completion of the Russian phase of training of the four astronauts for India’s first manned space mission.

Russia is an important partner in peaceful uses of nuclear energy.    It recognizes India as a country with advanced nuclear technology with an impeccable non-proliferation record.  It signed the Strategic Vision for strengthening cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy between India and Russia. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant  (KKNPP) is built in India with Russian cooperation. An agreement on localization in India of nuclear equipment  concluded during the Annual Summit on 24 December 2015.

                                                 
IRRITANTS

Moscow sees the Quad and Indo-Pacific concept as hostile to the interests of Russia and China; Termed it Asian Nato

Russia has moved notably towards China since 2014 because of the pressure and sanctions of the West.  The US,  Crimea issues, NATO and the Ukraine war are the latest trigger. Its cooperation with Pakistan in defence, energy and security has also increased significantly. 

Both countries are far away from establishing a working settlement of Rupee-denominated trade . The utilisation of alternative currencies like the Dirham and Yuan brings exposure to other risks.  It cannot become a permanent solution.

WAY OUT

Both countries need to revive the economic agenda that is currently heavily dependent on cooperation in defence and energy sectors; also guides the proposed Chennai-Vladivostok
Maritime Corridor, where apart from improving trade ties with the Russian Far East. It may, also, be useful to discuss reviving the cooperation between India, Iran and Russia on Afghanistan.