Mains Practice Questions

Introduction:

India–Russia relations are rooted in long-standing strategic trust, but they are being recalibrated in response to shifting global geopolitics after the Ukraine conflict. While the international environment has changed, India and Russia continue to engage pragmatically across strategic, economic, and geopolitical domains. This relationship reflects India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy rather than alignment.

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Strategic Dimension:

• Defence partnership: Around 60–70% of India’s legacy military platforms are of Russian origin, ensuring continued cooperation in spares, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Advanced defence systems: India’s acquisition of the S-400 Triumf air defence system underscores mutual strategic trust despite external pressures.
• Joint production: Projects like BrahMos missile reflect co-development rather than a buyer–seller relationship opposed to US deals.
• Nuclear energy cooperation: Russia is a key partner in the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, contributing to India’s energy security.

Economic Dimension:

• Bilateral Trade: Bilateral trade has grown rapidly and reached a record $68.7 billion in FY 2024-25.
• Energy trade surge: Russia emerged as one of India’s top crude oil suppliers. From a mere 1.7% share in total oil imports in 2019-20 (FY20), Russia's share increased to 40% in 2023-24, and it is now the biggest oil supplier to India.
• Connectivity Initiatives: The International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) aims to reduce freight time between India and Eurasia.
  • The recent launch of the Eastern Maritime Corridor between Chennai and Vladivostok (Russia) has enhanced India-Russia trade by reducing shipping time and costs.
• Currency settlement efforts: Exploration of rupee–rouble trade mechanisms to bypass sanctions-related constraints.

Geopolitical Dimensions

• Multipolar convergence: Both countries support a multipolar world order and reform of global institutions.
• Multilateral platforms: Cooperation in BRICS, SCO, and RIC enhances India’s diplomatic space.

Key Areas of Friction Amid Shifting Global Geopolitics:

• Economic Disparity: India’s imports from Russia reached approx. $64 billion in 2024–25, while its exports remained under $5 billion, creating a massive, unsustainable trade deficit.
• Transaction Barriers: Western sanctions on the SWIFT system have made the rupee-ruble payment mechanism inconsistent, leading to billions in "trapped" rupees and settlement delays.
• Russia-China Strategic Convergence: Russia’s deepening "no-limits" military and technological alliance with China creates anxiety for India, given its own ongoing border tensions with Beijing.
• Influence at Sea: Russia's interest in the Northern Sea Route and Arctic cooperation with China contrasts with India’s focus on the Indo-Pacific and the QUAD.

Key Measures to Enhance India-Russia Ties

• Deepening Strategic and Defence Cooperation: India and Russia should continue strengthening defence ties through joint production, technology transfer, and long-term maintenance partnerships.
  • Expanding Make in India–aligned joint ventures, such as BrahMos Aerospace, can reduce India’s dependence on imports while preserving strategic trust.
• Expanding Energy Partnership Beyond Oil: Energy cooperation must move beyond crude oil trade to include natural gas, nuclear energy, and renewables.
  • Long-term LNG contracts, cooperation in Arctic energy projects, and expansion of nuclear reactors at Kudankulam can ensure stable, diversified energy supplies.
• Strengthening Trade and Economic Engagement: India should push for greater market access for pharmaceuticals, IT services, tea, textiles, and agricultural products. Early conclusion of the India–Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement can help institutionalise trade growth and correct imbalances.
• Improving Connectivity and Payment Mechanisms: Strengthening alternative payment mechanisms such as rupee–ruble trade, Vostro accounts, and digital settlements can mitigate sanctions-related disruptions and ensure financial stability in bilateral trade

Conclusion:

India–Russia relations today are shaped by pragmatism, continuity, and strategic autonomy. While global geopolitics pose new challenges, sustained engagement across defence, energy, and multilateral platforms ensures that the partnership remains relevant and resilient.