India-Russia Military Legacy Faces Test

126 Indians joined Russia's military in Ukraine; 12 dead, 16 missing. India seeks repatriation of remaining soldiers.

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The military relationship between Russia and India is one of the most significant and enduring strategic partnerships in the modern world. This bilateral relationship, characterized by a complex blend of military cooperation, arms sales, joint exercises, and shared strategic interests, has evolved over decades, driven by both geopolitical calculations and historical ties. To understand the depth and scope of this relationship, one must delve into the historical context, the turning points, and the strategic imperatives that have guided both nations.

EARLY FOUNDATIONS The roots of the Russia-India military relationship can be traced back to the Cold War era when India, newly independent from British colonial rule, sought to carve out a foreign policy that was non-aligned yet pragmatic. The Soviet Union, on the other hand, was keen to expand its influence in Asia, particularly in countries like India, which were seen as vital to its broader strategy of containing Western powers, especially the United States.

In the 1950s and 1960s, India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, pursued a policy of non-alignment, positioning itself as a champion of newly independent nations and avoiding military alliances with either of the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union. However, India's security concerns, particularly in relation to its contentious border with China, began to push the country closer to the Soviet Union.

The Sino-Indian War of 1962 played a pivotal role in shaping India's strategic orientation. After the war, India recognized the need to modernize its military and diversify its sources of defense equipment. The Soviet Union, already looking to expand its influence in Asia, was eager to provide India with the necessary

also helped India build its domestic defense industry, which laid the groundwork for India's future military self-sufficiency.