WHY THE INDIA-RUSSIA RELATIONSHIP IS VITAL

There is now a shift in the international system, creating new challenges as well as opportunities for India. AMIT GUPTA examines the areas in which India and Russia can cooperateThere is now a shift in the international system, creating new challenges as well as opportunities for India. AMIT GUPTA examines the areas in which India and Russia can cooperate

- 

Operation Sindoor brought out what weapons were vital to India's military efforts and the suppliers with whom India needs to engage more extensively in building up future military cooperation. Russia is one of those suppliers since the S-400 and the Brahmos were either procured directly from Russian manufacturers or jointly developed with them.

Additionally, the stance of the Trump Administration towards the India-Pakistan military showdown disappointed the Indian government and New Delhi is now beginning to realise that it needs to build up alternative relationships to strengthen Indian security. So what can be done in the realm of the India-Russia relationship?

India is seeking to modernise its armed forces, boost its economy and, most importantly, create political alliances that ensure its security and increase its global influence. For all three, India needs to substantively build up its relationship with the BRICS members, particularly Russia because these countries, except China, are mostly in sync with New Delhi's worldview. The advent of the Trump Administration, which is seeking a reset with Russia, has provided a window of opportunity to further develop and strengthen the Russia-India relationship without upsetting Washington.

Background