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Amidst the ongoing world pandemic, India recently pulled back from participating in Kavkaz 2020 – a multinational tri-services exercise taking place in Russia. Although Covid-19 was cited as the official reason, this decision has stirred up various discussions.
Exploring Other Possible Reasons for Withdrawal
Beyond the pandemic, other potential reasons behind India’s withdrawal include involvement from Chinese, Turkish, and Pakistani troops. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) standoff with China started in May 2020, and despite multiple negotiation rounds, the situation remains unresolved. However, Indian and Chinese military representatives participated jointly in the Victory Day Parade in Moscow, June 2020, commemorating the 75th anniversary of World War II.
Additionally, Turkey’s criticism of India’s stance on Kashmir might have contributed to the decision. Participation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia – Georgian breakaway regions recognised only by Russia and a few other nations, which India does not acknowledge, could also be a significant factor.
About Kavkaz-2020 Exercise
Kavkaz-2020 is a major strategic command-post exercise, alternatively known as Caucasus-2020. As an integral part of Russian army’s four-yearly exercise cycle, previous renditions took place in 2012 and 2016. This year, it’s scheduled in Russia’s southern Astrakhan province. Participants typically include Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members and Central Asian countries.
India-Russia Military Diplomacy: A Brief History
India initiated its military diplomacy with Russia in 2003 via Ex Indra, a bilateral Naval exercise. It also took part in Exercise TSENTR 2019, an annual training program of the Russian Armed Forces. This exercise emphasizes evolving mutual army drills and their implementation against international terrorism threats, therefore ensuring military security in the strategic Central Asian region.
Why India’s Withdrawal from Kavkaz is Significant
India’s decision to pull out of Kavkaz is impactful, particularly because it is primarily a Russian military exercise, not a Chinese one. India has long considered its relation with Russia independently of the China-Russia ties, a sentiment reciprocated by Russia, demonstrated by its continuous arms supply to India, even amidst the standoff.
Moving Forward: Enhancing India-Russia Relations
For maintaining balance with China, India needs to nurture its relationship with Russia. As the defence component begins to wane due to India diversifying its defence procurements, a reboot in the Russia-India relationship is warranted. Energy and strategic minerals offer potential areas for collaboration.
Promoting trilateral cooperation involving Russia, China, and India could be beneficial, possibly lessening the suspicion and mistrust between India and China. In this regard, platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and RIC trilateral forum should be capitalized on.