The Indian and Russian Foreign Ministers recently discussed a variety of pressing matters, including defence supplies, the S-400 air defence system, India’s role in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s involvement in power-sharing, cooperation on Covid vaccines, and India’s participation in the Quad grouping. This meeting comes as both nations attempt to build a common “resilient” ground.
Cooperation Across Various Sectors
The key points discussed revolved around a number of different sectors. One of the primary focus areas was economic opportunities in the Russian Far East. Despite its abundant natural resources, this region, stretching from Lake Baikal to the Pacific Ocean and covering roughly a third of Russia’s territory, is notably underdeveloped.
The ministers also talked about leveraging India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign to boost local manufacturing. Other topics included enhancing connectivity through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern maritime corridor. They further dwelled on reinforcing long-standing partnerships in space and nuclear sectors.
Concerns Surrounding the S-400 Air Defence System
One of the crucial issues discussed was the sale of the S-400 air defence system. The S-400 Triumf, a mobile, surface-to-air missile system designed by Russia, surpasses the US-developed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) in operational capability. While India expressed interest in purchasing it, the USA has shown reservations, threatening sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Views on Military Alliance and Indo-Pacific
The Russian Foreign Minister clarified Russia-China relations were not intended to establish a military alliance. He also addressed the Quad grouping, referring to it as an “Asian NATO”. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is a strategic dialogue involving India, USA, Japan, and Australia supporting a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.
Harmonizing Afghan Peace Efforts
Both ministers agreed on the need to harmonize interests of different stakeholders in Afghanistan, stressing foundational principles should base the peace process, leading to an independent, sovereign, united and democratic Afghanistan.
Medical Cooperation
Russia’s Direct Investment Fund has signed contracts with several Indian manufacturers for 700-750 million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine. The possibility of exporting Covaxin to Russia was also discussed.
India – Russia Relations
The Annual Summit meeting between the Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation is the highest institutionalized dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between India and Russia. Despite their trade amounting to USD 10.11 billion in 2019-2020, both nations aim to reach a bilateral trade target of USD 30 billion by 2025. Defense and security ties, cooperation in nuclear energy and space sectors, and participation in common multilateral forums like BRICS, RIC and SCO are significant aspects of this relationship.
Way Forward
India is encouraged to pursue and facilitate Russia’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific, which could contribute to making the region more “free and inclusive”. Additionally, promoting a mutually beneficial trilateral cooperation between Russia, China, and India could help reduce mistrust between India and China.