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Mains Practice Questions

  • Q. What is the strategic relevance of India’s defence engagements with the United States compared to those with Russia, particularly in the context of promoting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region? (250 Words)

    29 Apr, 2025 GS Paper 2 International Relations

    Approach

    • Introduce Strategic relevance of India’s defence ties with the U.S. as compared to Russia.
    • Explain Russia as a time tested partner and then evolving strategic value of U.S. engagements in terms of China, military agreements, and Quad.
    • Conclusion suitably.

    Introduction

    India’s defence ties with the U.S. and Russia reflect two distinct strategic approaches- traditional reliance vs. evolving partnerships. In light of rising geopolitical tensions and shifting power dynamics, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, these defence ties hold significant implications for regional stability and India’s role as a key security actor.

    Body

    Russia as a Time-Tested Partner:

    • Defense Cooperation: Russia has historically been India's primary arms supplier, accounting for 36% of its arms imports (S-400 air defense systems and MiG-29 fighter jets).
    • Strategic Alignment: Both nations share common interests in regional security and have collaborated in counter-terrorism efforts and military exercises.
      • Their cooperation extends to aligning strategies in multilateral forums such as the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
      • This alignment demonstrates their long-standing commitment to shared regional and global security.

    Strategic Relevance of India-U.S. Defence Cooperation:

    • 10-Year Defense Framework: India and the U.S. are working on a comprehensive 10-year defense cooperation framework, aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen defense ties between the two nations.
    • Shared Indo-Pacific Vision: India and the U.S. share common concerns over China's expansion in the Indo-Pacific and have aligned their strategic interests to promote a "Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-based Indo-Pacific," aiming to ensure regional stability and security.
      • Both countries, as part of the multilateral Quad, further strengthen their collaboration to counter regional challenges.
    • Foundational Agreements: LEMOA (2016), COMCASA (2018), and BECA (2020) are key agreements enhancing India-U.S. defense cooperation.
      • LEMOA improves logistics support, COMCASA boosts communication interoperability, and BECA strengthens geospatial intelligence sharing.
        • All aimed at improving operational efficiency and countering regional threats, particularly from China.
    • Military Exercises: Military exercises such as the MALABAR Naval Exercise strengthen maritime security and counter China's growing influence in the region.
      • Similarly, Yudh Abhyas and Vajra Prahar focus on improving joint operational capabilities, and fostering strategic partnerships among participating nations.
    • Enhancing Defense through Tech Collaboration; The India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET, 2023) fosters defense innovation.
      • It promotes collaboration in key areas such as semiconductors, AI, driving technological advancements to enhance both nations' defense capabilities.

    Strategic Relevance of Indo-US vs. Indo-Russia Defence Engagements:

    Aspect India–US Defence Engagement India–Russia Defence Engagement
    Strategic Focus Countering China, maritime security, rules-based order. Traditional partner, with legacy systems.
    Partnership Nature Interoperability, joint operations, and QUAD alignment. Legacy hardware (45% of Indian military hardware), maintenance support.
    Tech Transfer & Constraints Cutting-edge tech & joint production.i.e: iCET Limited transfer & supply chain risks due to Western sanctions post-Ukraine crisis.
    Geopolitical Challenges Strategic alignment with Indo-Pacific goals. China’s growing influence on Russia limits the Indo-Pacific role.
    Strategic impact on Indo-Pacific Future-oriented, focused on maritime domain awareness, rules-based order, countering Chinese assertiveness. Limited Indo-Pacific presence despite historical ties.

    Conclusion

    While Russia remains a key defense partner, India’s balancing act with the U.S. reflects a deliberate strategy of India First. The U.S. plays a crucial role in securing the Indo-Pacific through strategic alignment and interoperability, especially in countering China's rise. This strategic balance ensures India's regional stability and supports a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

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