India-Russia relationship is both simple and complex. At the core lies unwavering trust
Druzhba is a Slavic word for dosti. It aptly describes the India-Russia relationship which is progressively getting interesting. During their Annual Summit meeting on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin took a step forward in strengthening the India-Russia bond. It is not easy for countries to commit themselves on strategic issues every time their leaders meet. But India and Russia have something special between them, which is why the list of areas of collaboration never ends. A series of agreements, including the General Framework Agreement for the construction of Kundankulam Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) Units 5 and 6, was signed which is a clear indication of the fact that along with India-Russia defence-military co-operation, the joint nuclear programmes are on track. Russia has committed to develop at least 12 NPP for India by 2020. But that is not all. As the two countries move steadily towards the implementation of the Strategic Vision for Strengthening Co-operation in Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy, signed in December 2014, they are also intensifying co-operation across a wide spectrum. With Russia being part and parcel of the ‘Make in India' vision, it is going to help the country set up 10 indigenous nuclear reactors that were recently announced by the Government. The joint statement clearly underlines that the growing partnership in the nuclear power sector has opened opportunities for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing capabilities in India in line with Government's ‘Make in India' initiative. This cooperation is also intensifying in the field of space. India-Russia bilateral defence co-operation is on a high platform. So far, Russia was only exporting its modern military technologies to India. But now the two will upgrade this cooperation to joint manufacture, co-production and co-development of military hardware and spares. As part of military co-operation, the two will for the first time hold tri-Services exercise INDIRA 2017.
Cross-border terrorism from Pakistan is one area where India would constantly need Russia's backing. While Putin asserted that Russia's trust-based relations with close friend India will not be diluted by Moscow's growing ties with Pakistan, it is to be seen how Russia positions itself on delicate situations, particularly when both India and Pakistan become members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Of course, Russia joins India in the joint statement to urge countries to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing, and stop cross-border movement of terrorists. It is expected of Russia to use its influence in the region to reduce the areas of friction and pressure rogue nations to fall in line. After all, India is not the lone sufferer. Iran, Bangladesh and Afghanistan too are not happy with Pakistan. Meanwhile, in a rare honour, Prime Minister Modi announced renaming of a prominent Delhi road after former Russian Ambassador Alexander M Kadakin, who spend most of his career in India trying to strengthen the relationship between two countries. The road will always remind Indians of an example of true friendship — Druzhba-Dosti.