Moscow: Russia has been India’s most reliable partner for decades. Putin has maintained this relationship well since the time of the Soviet Union. Before coming to India, the Russian President has announced to the world on several occasions that India is very important for him and efforts to strengthen relations with it will continue. However, now China has also become an important partner for Russia along with India. Putin also takes the name of China in every speech. In such a situation, this question often arises that if India and China ever fight on any issue, then whom will Putin support, which partner will be more important for him?
The answer is hidden in the depth of relationships
Russia’s relations with India are like a ‘trusted friend’. During the time of Soviet Union, Russia was the most powerful country in the world, at that time its relationship with India was of ‘protector’, but now with the rapidly increasing power of India, this dynamic has changed. Both the countries have now become equal partners and this change has further strengthened the Russia-India relationship.
The basis of the relationship between India and Russia is military cooperation. About 60 percent of India’s arms imports come from Russia. The focus of this military cooperation ranges from arms sales to transfer of technology, which includes deals like BrahMos missile or S-400 air defense system.
Compulsory relationship with China?
At the same time, Russia’s relationship with China may appear to be one of friendship on the outside, but inside there are layers of compulsions. This relationship rests on the growing power of China. China is Russia’s largest and most important economic partner.
China buys large quantities of Russian raw materials (oil and gas) and in return sells consumer goods, electronics and technology to Russia. China has the upper hand in this relationship, because Russia has now become highly dependent on the Chinese market. In such a situation, Russia takes the role of junior partner.
Why does Russia doubt?
How did China worry Russia?
Relations between Russia and China stemmed from Western sanctions due to the Ukraine war. However, China has also become a cause of concern for Russia for many reasons, especially Putin is not liking China’s growing power in Central Asia and the Arctic.
In Central Asia, China has replaced Russia as its main trade partner through its Belt and Road Initiative. Gas pipelines from countries like Turkmenistan now reach China directly, bypassing Russian control. Tajikistan is targeting China’s areas, where Russia takes the responsibility of security first. Experts have confirmed Chinese security posts in these areas.
Moscow is on alert mode due to China’s intrusion in the Arctic region. China has declared itself a ‘Near-Arctic State’. Which, in a way, aims to weaken Russia’s claims to territorial sovereignty.
