India Russia Relations: Opening New Doors for Cooperation at East Economic Forum
This article talks about the progress of India Russia relations in a new direction by PM Modi’s visit at East Economic Forum organized at Vladivostok, Far East Russia. It also discusses what benefits can be availed by both countries, India and Russia in this new engagement. It also mentions what are the challenges faced by India in advancement of India Russia relations.
Background of India Russia Relations
New Dimensions of India Russia Relations
Importance of Far East Russia for India
Importance of India in Far East Russia
Challenges faced by India
Conclusion
Background of India Russia Relations
Since time long, India found Russia its close friend. Even before independence, two countries – India and Russia (former Soviet Union) came towards each other. Soviet Union also called Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was a predecessor of present Russia. India was influenced by socialist policies of USSR. But at the same time, India was also a proponent of Democracy. Thus, India adopted the path of democratic socialism. India adopted five years planning like Russia. Both countries were engaged in trade ties. The core engagement was in defense sector. Though India was a part of Non-aligned Movement during period of cold war yet India and Russia proved as time tested friends. Russia helped India in critical times.
New Dimensions of India Russia Relations
The current visit of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi to Russia was a new kick to India Russia relations. He attended East Economic Forum as Chief Guest where he made an announcement of providing $1bn as line of credit to Russia. This was 20th annual summit between India and Russia organized at Vladivostok which is a coastal city of Far Eat Russia. The purpose of this line of credit is to explore and develop the region of Far East Russia. Apart from this announcement, fifteen MoUs, (Memorandum of Understanding) were signed between India and Russia for cooperation in different sectors like oil, mining, nuclear energy, defense, connectivity through air and ocean, infrastructure, space, business to business engagement etc.
Importance of Far East Russia for India
Far East Russia is the easternmost region of Russia. It is a difficult region due to its cold climate. Thus, the population of this region is only 6million. The region is important for Russia as well as for the world. The importance of this region for India is discussed below:
Resourcefulness
The region is rich in term of variety of resources like oil, minerals, copper, gold etc. It can fulfill the energy needs of India thus reducing the dependence on gulf countries. Since USA is pressurizing India to reduce trade ties with Iran due to which energy security of India may get compromised. In such scenario, exploring such vast resourceful region can be a solution. Similarly, the requirement of rare earth elements for electronic gadgets in a vast growing economy like India can be fulfilled.
Strategic Significance
The importance of this area is not confined to financial arena but it is also crucial politically, strategically and culturally. For India, Russia is a part of Act East policy. Thus, Far East Russia is also significant under this policy. Engagement of India in Far East Russia can be significant strategically in two ways:
- To counter the influence of China in Asia Pacific
- To harness the support of Russia about Kashmir issue at global platform
Connectivity
The recent MoUs signed between India and Russia include maritime connectivity between Chennai and Vladivostok. This can be a potential route for further connectivity of India with Arctic Circle which is itself resourceful. Thus, India can access the rich resources of Arctic Circle also. Apart from this, linkage with potential trade routes through North Sea would be possible.
Importance of India in Far East Russia
Just as Far East Russia is significant for India, similarly, India is significant for Far East Russia. Why Russia wants involvement of India in this region is explained below:
Support for Exploration
Russia needs financial, technological and manpower investment for exploration and development of Far East Russia.
Strategic Decision
Since China has already invested heavily in the region, Russia wants to diversify the investment here to counter China. Western investment especially by USA is not much liked by Russia. Thus, India is the best option for taking investments.
Market Need
The rich resources of Far East Russia if explored would require markets to be sold and utilized. India is a country progressing very fast. Thus, it can prove a potential buyer for rich resources of Far East Russia.
Challenges faced by India
India’s increasing engagement in Far East Russia may make India suffer from tough challenges both strategically and materialistically. On one hand, exploration in difficult climate is a challenge and on the other hand, balancing strategic relations with the western world especially USA can further create an arduous situation.
Conclusion
India and Russia are interested in each other for their respective interests. This mutual relation between two countries can go in long run by cooperating with each other in diverse sectors. Now, India is not just oil buyer for Russia or just a trade partner in defense; rather both countries successfully did coproduction with time. In transition, both countries are emerging as technology partners which is visible in projects like Brahmos missile development. Strategically, both countries can play together in changing global equations as well as those of Asia Pacific region.
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