Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made efforts to ramp up privileged Indo-Russian partnership, especially in defence and nuclear energy sectors. But, is this association really fruitful for India?
The long awaited BRICS 2016 summit has already begun, with our PM welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin in Goa to raise concerns over recently formed Russia-Pakistan military ties. But political experts believe, Russia’s growing ties with Pakistan cannot influence several years of partnership existing between India and Russia. They expect both the powerful nations to bond over security and defence issues at BRICS 2016. Russia has been reinforcing India with top-notch technology in military sector in last few years. The important question is, will this relationship last for long and whether India will benefit from it.
Latest Proceedings at the BRICS City Summit
Latest reports reveal, both countries have mutually decided to sing over a dozen complex agreements in nuclear energy and defence for setting up four naval frigates, 200 Kamoc helicopters and five S400 Triumf air defence systems costing over USD 4 billion. Additionally, leaders from both the countries exchanged views on international, national, regional issues, growing terrorism in the world and the current scenario between both the countries.
In past, India’s poor foreign policy caused Russia to drift away. Indians were looking up to western countries for military and economic cooperation, which gave way to ‘Friendship 2016’, the recent Russia-Pakistan joint military drill, resulting in Russia’s discontentment towards India. However, due to India’s recent surgical strikes in Pakistan on account of its loose policies against terrorism brought Russia closer to India, once again. Considering how beneficial this relationship was for India, we’re expecting a lot out of currently signed agreements.
How Indo-Russian Partnership is Beneficial for India
Unlike US, China and other foreign countries, Russia has always been a reliable ally for India, considering their cooperation in defence and technology sectors. We’ve been able to achieve significant benefits out of this partnership in past.
- For example, Russia’s capital city Moscow has offered post-Fukushima technology (which is already in use at Kudankulam nuclear plant) for the safety of nuclear resources in India. They’ve actively participated in construction and localization of nuclear plants in India and are willing to cooperate with Delhi in terms of developing power plants outside India or Russia.
- Russia is the sole reason behind India’s sound defense policies. Over the years, Indians have benefited from Russia’s various defense products like:
- SU-30 MKI: Licensed jet squadrons,
- SU-50 FGFA: Fifth generation fighter planes based on latest technologies,
- BrahMos: Co-jointly produced missiles. Both countries are expected to produce 2000 additional misses, 1000 for each nation.
- T-90 Bhishma: Third generation Russian battle tank that has entered India in 1993. Russians have agreed to help India upgrade these tanks.
- S-500 Missile System: India will buy 5 of these battery operated surface to air missile systems for reinforcing border security in India.
- Kamaov Helicopter: India and Russia will jointly produce 200 units of this two-engine utility helicopter.
In addition to the aforementioned facts, Russians are also helping us with the set up of 7 new nuclear reactors, in return, Indian companies have invested shares in Russia oil refineries.
- Another project worth mentioning is the ‘One Belt One Road’ project, which is an initiative to connect major continents like Asia, Africa and Russia through development of national and international transport corridor. If, successfully implemented, this partnership will help India attain the desired power.
Thus, Russia’s support in defense sectors have brought several avenues for growth and development procedures. Now efforts are being made to convert this into a healthy economic bond.
