Putin’s visit reinforces India-Russia relations
The seven agreements and 13 commercial contracts that India and Russia have signed in the course of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India reflect the depth of relationship the two countries share. It's a decades-old close understanding which has stood the test of time and many challenges. While it is true that in the post-Cold War era, both Russia and India have moved on to craft strong economic and socio-cultural ties with other countries, some of whom have been in conflict with either of the above two, it has not dented the special regard Russia and India have for each other. Nonetheless, neither New Delhi nor Moscow is willing to be tied down to sentimentalism in the individual pursuit of strategic self-interests. There is, therefore, no reason for India to be unduly alarmed by Russia's recent warming up to Pakistan — an indication of that is the recent visit the Russian Defence Minister made to Islamabad and the subsequent finalisation of a defence pact between the two nations. There is also no cause for India to be worried by the so-called Russia-China axis as it is unlikely to work against New Delhi's interests. Similarly, Moscow need not be upset by India's growing proximity to the United States with whom the former is having a war of words over various issues including Ukraine. Global developments will continue to test bilateral relationships, and it is the resilience which exists in the ties between India and Russia that can counter them. Meanwhile, it is clear from the deals signed on Thursday that Russia is going to play a vital role in this country's defence sector and energy security over at least the next two decades. It has been partnering India in atomic energy with the Kudankulam project, which is poised for further expansions after a few hiccups over the last year or so.
The fact that a joint vision statement provides for Russia to supply 10 new reactors over the next 20 years is a demonstration of the long-term cooperation the two countries have agreed upon. Nuclear energy is among the priorities of the Narendra Modi Government. It is interesting to note that Russia appears by and large comfortable with the civil nuclear liability law, which has proved to be a hindrance in attracting Western collaboration. Perhaps the West can learn a lesson or two from the way Russia steers its way despite the stringent nuclear liability law in place. India's energy security drive gets an added impetus with the finalisation of a blueprint with Russia for the joint exploration of hydrocarbons.
Defence cooperation is set to open a new chapter in the bilateral ties, moving away from the usual supply of military hardware by Russia. In what will give a boost to the Union Government's Make in India drive, Russia has announced the manufacture of its most advanced helicopters in India. If the project gets the go-ahead soon and is executed with efficiency, it will not only provide jobs and expertise here, but will also have the potential to make this country an exporter of state-of-the-art helicopters. It is also possible that some of the nuclear reactors would be manufactured in India with Russian support, further boosting the Make in India initiative.