President Putin’s visit to India
Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation, made a significant journey to India for the 19th annual India-Russia Summit in 2018. This institutionalized dialogue mechanism serves as the highest form of strategic partnership between the two countries.
The History of India-Russia Relations
India and Russia share over seven decades of diplomatic relations. The friendship between India and USSR began in the 1950s and solidified with the Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty in 1971. In October 2000, this bond was further reinforced when both nations signed the Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership. A decade later, in December 2010, the strategic partnership was upgraded to a special and privileged status.
Post-Soviet era has seen a transformation in their relationship with enhanced cooperation in a multitude of areas including political, security, trade, economy, defense, science and technology, and culture.
Key Agreements Inked During the Summit
During this summit meeting, India and Russia inked multiple agreements to foster cooperation. The noteworthy pact was a $5.43 billion deal where Russia agreed to supply S-400 Triumf missile defense system to India. The advanced S-400 system has the capability to destruct hostile aircraft, stealth fighters, missiles, and drones at a range of 400 km. It also possesses radars that can simultaneously track hundreds of targets.
Additionally, both countries aimed to increase their mutual investments up to $15 billion, a significant growth from the current bilateral trade which sits below $10 billion.
Furthering Cooperation in Space and Railways
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and ROSCOSMOS (Federal Space Agency of Russia) decided to cooperate on India’s human space mission project known as Gaganyaan. In the field of railways, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed which enables the Russian railway company to assist India in developing modern rail networks.
Collaboration in Nuclear Energy and More
Another critical area of cooperation is nuclear energy where an Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field was agreed upon. Under this plan, Russia will construct 12 units of Nuclear Power Plants in India over the next 20 years.
Other significant agreements encompass small industries, fertilizers, and consultation between foreign ministries.
The S-400 Deal and Its Implications
Despite warnings from the USA about potential sanctions under Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), India pressed ahead with the S-400 missile defense system deal. It marked a significant assertion of India’s strategic autonomy, implying that its security and foreign policy interests will not be influenced by any third country.
Beyond Defense Cooperation
The agreements reached during the summit span diverse areas of cooperation such as civil nuclear, space and railways along with the traditional area of defense. This indicates Russia’s importance for India, and signifies that in changing times, India seeks to broaden its horizon beyond defense cooperation to deepen its ties with Russia.
Understanding India-Russia Relations
In essence, the India-Russia relationship is one that has evolved over time, from being primarily focused on defense to encompass multi-dimensional strategic partnerships. The 19th India-Russia Summit exemplified this broad-based engagement in various sectors.