India’s Relationship with Russia: Key Points to Know

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During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in June, efforts were made to reduce India’s reliance on Moscow for arms, economic ties, and technology. This move aimed to strengthen the Quad partnership, which includes Japan and Australia, as India and the United States seek to counter China’s increasing aggression.

India has long considered Russia a trusted ally since the Cold War era, with significant cooperation in defense, oil, nuclear energy, and space exploration. However, this partnership has become strained due to Moscow’s closer ties with India’s main rival, China, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine.

Here is an overview of the current state of India-Russia relations:

Development of India-Russia Ties:

India began cultivating a strong relationship with the Soviet Union in the mid-1950s, primarily due to the Cold War context. The ties were further solidified during conflicts with Pakistan.

The Soviet Union played a crucial role in mediating a cease-fire between India and Pakistan to resolve the 1965 war over the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir. Additionally, during India’s war with Pakistan in December 1971, the Soviet Union used its veto power to support India at the United Nations, while the U.S. backed Pakistan by deploying a task force in the Bay of Bengal.

In August 1971, India and the Soviet Union signed a treaty of peace, friendship, and cooperation. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, this treaty was replaced by the Treaty of Indo-Russian Friendship and Cooperation in January 1993.

India’s Stance on Russia’s War on Ukraine:

Despite pressure from the United States and European nations, India has refrained from voting against Russia or openly criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for diplomacy, dialogue, and democratic principles to maintain global unity during a meeting with Putin in September. The leaders met on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in the Uzbekistan city of Samarkand.

India’s Dependency on Russian Arms:

India began seeking Soviet arms following its conflict with China in 1962.

In the early 1990s, around 70% of India’s army weapons, 80% of its air force systems, and 85% of its navy platforms were sourced from the USSR.

India’s military inventory includes over 410 Soviet and Russian fighters, which are a combination of imported and domestically produced platforms. It also comprises submarines, tanks, helicopters, frigates, and missiles purchased from Russia.

While India has been diversifying its defense procurements and reducing its dependence on Russian arms by increasing purchases from countries like the United States, Israel, France, and Italy, experts estimate that it may take up to 20 years to completely reduce reliance on Russian supplies and spare parts.

India’s Russian Oil Imports:

Despite sanctions imposed by the United States and European nations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India’s purchases of Russian oil have significantly increased.

Indian officials argue that buying oil from Russia benefits Indian consumers due to its comparatively lower price.

Reports from Indian media indicate that Russian oil now accounts for nearly 20% of India’s annual crude imports, a substantial rise from just 2% in 2021.

There have been suggestions from European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell that the EU should take a stricter stance on India’s reselling of Russian oil into Europe as refined fuel. India maintains that, according to its understanding of EU regulations, if Russian crude undergoes substantial transformation in a third country, it is no longer considered Russian.

India’s Relations with the US and Europe:

India, with its second-largest army, fourth-largest air force, and seventh-largest navy, aims to become a hub for defense manufacturing. However, it lacks a robust industrial base for military equipment production.

India has been actively acquiring new technologies and reducing its dependence on imports.

Under the administration of Donald Trump, the U.S. and India concluded defense deals worth over $3 billion. Bilateral defense trade increased from virtually zero in 2008 to $15 billion in 2019, encompassing items such as long-range maritime patrol aircraft, missiles, and drones.

During U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to New Delhi in early June, discussions took place regarding upgrading the partnership between the U.S. and India. Topics such as joint production and manufacturing of combat aircraft engines, infantry combat vehicles, howitzers, and precision ordnance were addressed at a meeting of the U.S.-India Defense Policy Group in Washington in May. An announcement regarding these matters is anticipated during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about India-Russia relations

More about India-Russia relations

• India-Russia Relations: A Historical Perspective
• India’s Strategic Partnership with Russia
• India’s Defense Procurement Diversification
• India’s Oil Imports and Russian Crude
• India-US Defense Relations
• India-EU Relations
• Shanghai Cooperation Organization