This refers to the editorial, “Old friend and new script” (December 23). Ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union, India’s relation with Russia weakened. By the end of the Cold War, Russia was no more seen as a powerful and dominant country.
India gradually reduced its dependence on Russia for defence material. Establishing stronger and stable ties with the US became the decided foreign policy for us. No doubt, this was an unwise decision.
In retaliation, Russia started to rejuvenate decades of estranged relation with Pakistan and defence deals with the latter was negotiated. With excellent rapprochement with the US and Russia, Pakistan outmanoeuvred and outwitted India.
Despite all this, India must not become ungrateful to Russia. It must not forget Russia’s role during the Bangladesh liberation War in 1971. Moreover, it has always stood by us in times of distress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow can renew our ties with Russia.