21 May 2025, NIICE Commentary 11014
Kishore Yadav
"True friendship, built on trust and respect, is always a two-way street, and the India–Russia relationship is a perfect example of that." The India–Russia relationship stands as one of the most enduring and time-tested friendships in international diplomacy. Rooted in a shared vision for sovereignty, strategic independence, and mutual respect, the bond has evolved through wars, economic shifts, and changing global orders. Even as the world moves through dramatic geopolitical transformations, Russia continues to be a reliable partner for India, proving that true friendships transcend transient alliances.
India–Russia Relations: From Alliance to Partnership
India’s relationship with Russia began during the Soviet era and was firmly cemented with the signing of the 1971 Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation. At a time when India was seeking strategic autonomy amid Cold War pressures, the Soviet Union emerged as a steadfast ally. Moscow’s crucial support during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, when it vetoed UN resolutions against India, remains one of the clearest examples of this trust. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the bilateral relationship had to find a new footing. Despite the changing global landscape, both countries remained committed to each other. In 2000, India and Russia signed the Strategic Partnership Agreement, marking the beginning of a more modern, multidimensional engagement.
This partnership was further elevated in 2010 to a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership", a designation reserved for India's closest allies. Regular annual summits, the Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation, and sectoral dialogue mechanisms have ensured a consistent and evolving diplomatic engagement.
Defense, Economic, and Energy Cooperation: Foundations of the India–Russia Partnership
One of the strongest pillars of India–Russia ties has been defense cooperation. For decades, Russia has been India’s principal defense partner, supplying military hardware, aircraft, submarines, and missile systems. Around 60–70 percent of India's current military hardware is of Russian origin, reflecting this legacy of cooperation. Some testaments include the joint development of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, one of the fastest in the world, and the purchase of S-400 Triumf air defense systems, a significant boost to India’s air security, which is currently being hailed for its tremendous defense against Pakistani drones. India has also leased nuclear-powered submarines from Russia and has produced Su-30MKI fighter jets and T-90 tanks under license. The two countries also conduct joint military exercises under the INDRA series, which includes land, naval, and air forces, further strengthening interoperability and trust between their armed forces.
While defense ties have been robust, the economic relationship has seen slower progress. However, in recent years, efforts have been made to diversify trade and increase investments. The two countries have set a target of reaching $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2025. Energy has emerged as a key area of cooperation. Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of oil and gas, and India, with its rapidly growing economy, is a major consumer. India has invested in Russian oil fields like Sakhalin-1 and Vostok, and Russian companies supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil to India.
Collaborating Through Shared Ideals and Institutions
India and Russia coordinate closely in multilateral organisations such as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and the United Nations. These platforms allow both countries to push for a multipolar world order, where power is balanced and not concentrated in a few hands. Russia has consistently backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UNSC (United Nations Security Council ), demonstrating its support for India’s global aspirations. Both countries share concerns about terrorism, regional instability, and the need for equitable development in the Global South.
Strategic Challenges and Prospects for the Future of India–Russia Relations
Despite the strength of the relationship, challenges do exist. One significant development is Russia’s increasing closeness with China, especially after the start of the Russia–Ukraine conflict in 2022. For India, which has ongoing tensions with China, this triangulation can be diplomatically complex. Additionally, India has deepened its ties with Western powers through QUAD (with the US, Japan, and Australia) and growing defense partnerships with the US and France. Managing these overlapping interests requires careful diplomacy to preserve strategic autonomy without compromising on long-standing friendships. The war in Ukraine has also brought new pressures. India has had to balance its neutral stance, refusing to directly condemn Russia while also maintaining relations with Western nations. However, New Delhi has continued oil purchases from Russia, adapting payment mechanisms to bypass Western sanctions, showcasing a pragmatic approach rooted in national interest.
For the India–Russia relationship to remain relevant, it must expand beyond defense and energy. New areas of collaboration could include digital innovation, cybersecurity, climate change, education, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Both countries must also leverage regional connectivity projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the proposed Chennai–Vladivostok maritime route, which could open up new trade possibilities and reduce dependence on traditional Western-centric trade networks.
Conclusion: A Timeless Friendship
India and Russia have stood the test of time through wars, political upheavals, and shifting alliances. What makes this relationship special is not just shared interests but a deep foundation of trust, mutual respect, and strategic alignment. As both nations look toward the future, it is clear that their partnership remains vital, not only for their respective national interests but also for global stability and the emerging multipolar world order. The friendship between India and Russia is not just historical—it is essential, adaptable, and poised for a renewed era of cooperation.
Kishore Yadav A is a Postgraduate in Applied Sociology from Christ (Deemed to be University).
