Seven Decades of Trust: How India and Russia Built a Multilayered Strategic Bond

New Delhi: Relations between India and Russia are not just a story of diplomacy. This is a journey of trust, cooperation, and companionship that started seven decades ago. When India did not get the expected help from Western countries, the Soviet Union came forward and helped. From arms to big industries and open support in the 1971 crisis, Russia supported India on many fronts. Over time this relationship has transformed itself, and today this partnership has become broader than ever.

How was the Soviet contribution visible in India's industrial development?

In the early years of independence, India had limited resources, and the path of development was not easy. During the same period, the Soviet Union helped in setting up steel plants, energy projects, and heavy industries. The thinking of India's five-year plans was also largely influenced by the Soviet model.

When did strong defense cooperation begin?

After the war with China in 1962, India needed modern weapons. But Western countries showed hesitation. In such a situation, the Soviet Union provided supersonic fighter aircraft like the MiG-21, which remained the backbone of the Indian Air Force for a long time.

How did the Soviet Union stand with India during the diplomatic crisis?

In 1971, when violence increased in East Pakistan and millions of people came to India, the situation became very difficult. Many Western countries, including America, were in support of Pakistan. At that time, the Soviet Union not only supported India in the United Nations but also deployed its nuclear submarines in the Bay of Bengal to balance American pressure. This step was important for both India's security and confidence.

How did the shape of defense partnerships change after the dissolution of the Soviet Union?

After the Soviet disintegration, the scope of relations with Russia remained limited to defense for some time. But cooperation remained strong. Russia leased nuclear submarines to India, and joint projects like the BrahMos missile started. Advanced aircraft like the Sukhoi-30 MKI became part of India's air power.

Why did India consider it necessary to diversify defense procurement?

After 2014, India took a strategic decision that defense supplies should not depend on only one country. After this, purchases from America, France, and Israel also increased. Whereas earlier 80 percent of military equipment came from Russia, now this share has come down to about 36 percent.

How did the economic relationship between the two countries change after the Russia-Ukraine war?

Amidst the war, Russia offered oil to India at concessional rates. India took this opportunity, giving priority to its economic interests, even though Western countries raised objections. Due to this, the energy cooperation between the two countries became much stronger.

What new dimensions are being added to the partnership by Putin's visit?

It is clearly visible from the latest agreements that both the countries now want to move beyond defense and touch new areas. It has been agreed to increase cooperation in sectors like health, education, workforce, shipping, and port development.

How will the huge trade imbalance be reduced?

Bilateral trade has reached $68.7 billion. In this, Russia's export is more than 63 billion dollars while India's export is less than 5 billion dollars. To balance this, Russia is now talking about buying rice, marine products and passenger aircraft from India.