Ahead of PM Modi’s Moscow Visit, the US expressed its concern over India’s ties with Russia at a time when Moscow is undergoing sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. The sentiments were shown through a US State Department spokesperson, setting the tone for the complex geopolitics involving the equation between these nations.
Source: X
Bilateral talks between PM Modi and Putin
Underway is the two day visit of PM Modi to Russia, and the bilateral consultations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders met at the official residence of Putin in Novo-Ogaryovo, located near Moscow, which, according to source, was termed as a “private engagement.” Following the meeting, PM Modi expressed his looking forward to the rest of the discussions on X, stating that it is part of the duty of both nations to continue strengthening the ties of friendship between India and Russia.
US Expectations from India
The US State Department has repeated its concern over India’s relations with Russia. A spokesperson from the department, quoted by Reuters, stated, “I will look to Prime Minister Modi’s public remarks to see what he talked about but as I said, we have made quite clear directly with India our concerns about their relationship with Russia.”
Source: X
India’s Tightrope Diplomacy
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, India has been under tremendous pressure from Western countries, yet New Delhi has deftly managed to strike a fine balance without directly criticizing Russia while calling for international investigations into incidents like the Bucha massacre and concern over nuclear threats by Russian leaders.
The government of India has consistently pointed to the traditional relationship with Russia and economic interests, balancing the same with priorities of peace, respect for international law, and respect for the UN Charter. The Indian leadership has stipulated time and again that respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential for the international order.
Historical Background of India-Russia Relations
The Indo-Russia relationship dates back to seven decades ago, with defence always being a cornerstone of their bilateral ties. India imported various weapons systems from the USSR since the 1970s hence making Russia the country’s biggest defence supplier for quite a longtime. Though India has diversified its sources of defence procurements, strategic ties with Russia assume much significance in light of its border standoff with China in east Ladakh.
Apart from defence, nuclear and space have been other major areas of cooperation between the two countries. Indeed, India has not stopped buying Russian oil at discounted rates ever since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, despite the criticism of Western countries.
The Way Forward: Dialog and Diplomacy
With Prime Minister Modi scheduled to meet President Putin for further talks, sources say India is all set to reiterate its commitment to seeking the resolution of the Ukraine conflict through dialog and diplomacy. The visiting Indian delegation will not only try to convey but firmly drive home that there are no sustainable military solutions, and peaceful negotiations could be the only plausible way out for a solution to the conflict.
The war in Ukraine is likely to be at the top of the agenda for the Modi-Putin summit. When theUS State Department recently pressed India to impress upon Moscow the need for adherence to the UN charter, officials of the PM Modi Government referred to the old stand taken by the country that said there was no alternative to dialog and diplomacy as a solution to the crisis.
India’s Firm Stance on Sovereignty and Peace
Reflecting the national sentiment, Congress leader Surendra Rajput told PTI, “America must understand that India is an independent country and it will make and maintain relations with other countries on its own terms.” Reflecting that India stands for sovereign decision-making in any matter of foreign policy.
By reiterating its stance, India has come up with the solutions of dialogue and diplomacy for the Ukraine conflict instead of advocating military options. These values can be expected to be reflected in the forthcoming summit between PM Modi and Putin and will be an addition to the general discussion on the resolution of global conflicts.
