India - Russia Relations: Seeking New Convergences in the Multipolar World Order

Abstract

India and Russia are one of the closest strategic, economic, military and diplomatic partners in the world. India’s proximity to Russia can be linked to the ‘Cold War period when the Soviet Union (USSR) supported India unconditionally, although India was a Non-aligned member during this period. However, in the last two decades, both India and Russia have been following independent foreign policies, that have led them to a crossroads with each other. While Russia is wary about the threat from the West especially the US and its allies, India's close ties with the West are at their best state. India's Civil Nuclear Deal of 2008, and membership of the QUAD (Japan, Australia and the US being the other three) security dialogue have raised concerns in the Kremlin. Russia's close ties with China and the leadership of both platforms like the UN Security Council and the SCO have led to a permanent trust between them. India on the other end has seen Chinese hostility at its border areas like Galwan and Doklam. The Ukraine issue is a test of time circumstances for both countries.

This paper will seek to understand the various contours of India-Russia relations and how both countries are trying to find more convergence in their relationship, despite the presence of foreign policy obligations and their mutual international interests. The paper will also seek to understand the various global platforms both India and Russia share and how these platforms are crucial in maintaining the multipolarity of the current global world order.