New Delhi: Welcoming the bilateral agreements reached between India and Russia at the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held here in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, experts said that it is important for Russia to be closer to India. Russia has become increasingly dependent on China in recent years due to sanctions imposed by Western countries following the Ukraine conflict.
According to them, Putin’s visit to India demonstrates his close ties with India, as both countries are expanding their relations and bringing together diverse people. Earlier this afternoon, Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Putin reiterated their support for further strengthening the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries during their meeting at Hyderabad House. Notably, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, which was signed during Putin’s first official visit to India in October 2000. Both leaders emphasized the special nature of this long-standing and time-tested relationship, characterized by mutual trust, respect for each other’s unique national interests, and strategic alignment. They emphasized that as major powers with shared responsibilities, this vital relationship remains a pillar of global peace and stability. It must be strengthened on the basis of equal and indivisible security.
‘India and Russia are all-weather partners’
Rashmini Koparkar, Assistant Professor (Faculty) at the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), speaking to ETV Bharat, said, “India and Russia have always been partners. Russia has been our ‘all-weather partner’ and they have stood by us in our difficult times. They helped us during ‘Operation Sindoor.'” It’s almost like a ‘solid’ friendship.” He said that now is the time to take the friendship to the next level and open new areas and new avenues. Referring to the joint statement between PM Modi and Russian President Putin, Koparkar said, “There’s a lot of emphasis on economic cooperation and trade, which has been a very weak link in our relationship. Now, they’ve signed the ‘Vision 2030 Document’ and promised to increase trade to $100 billion. So the focus is on diversifying trade and making it sustainable. So this is going to be important.”
He further said, “There’s an emphasis on connectivity between the two countries. Pharmaceuticals are being promoted in Russia. So now there will be joint production of medicines in Russia. Apart from oil and gas, there’s also a focus on essential minerals and various supply chains, which is a very common thing.” Koparkar said that there’s also a focus on people-to-people ties between the two countries. He said, “Attention is also being paid to strengthening cultural ties. We are now offering free 30-day e-tourist visas and 30-day group tourist visas for Russian citizens. They are also going to increase exchanges between students, scholars, and athletes. Vocational training and skill development is a key area. Emphasis is being placed on engaging with youth.”
Kopparkar further said, “To advance this relationship, you need to expand beyond your capitals to cover other areas. Many Russian cities are already engaging with India. We have opened two new consulates. Emphasis is being placed on engaging businesspeople, youth, and students, as they are the unofficial ambassadors of our culture.”
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he said, “India has emerged as an important pole in the last few years. Therefore, we will no longer succumb to pressure from anyone. We want equidistant relationships with all important players. We do not want to distance ourselves from the United States.” We want a relationship with them, but we don’t want to be pressured by them.” Koparkar said, “Getting closer to America doesn’t mean moving away from Russia. Our partnership with Russia will remain the same. Secondly, it’s very important for Russia to be closer to India to counter China, because in the last few years, due to sanctions, Moscow has become too dependent on China. Obviously, Russia doesn’t want that either.” According to her, this is a win-win situation for both countries. She said, “We love each other, and we both are with each other.”
She said, “I also went to Ukraine and met with President Zelensky and the US President. The Prime Minister said today that we are not neutral in this conflict, we are for ‘peace.’ He wants the conflict resolved through dialogue and peace. The Prime Minister is true to his words.” She said that both sides must resolve the dispute. Dr. Koparkar said, “An external partner is needed to assist the peace process, in which India will also play an important role. Therefore, India should not be the main negotiator, but rather should facilitate the peace process. The dispute must be resolved by both sides.”
