India and Russia Relations
India and Russia share one of the longest-standing and most resilient partnerships in modern geopolitics. What began as a Cold War alignment has evolved into a nuanced, multidimensional relationship—one that spans defense, trade, energy, science, and strategic coordination. In 2025, as the global balance of power continues to shift, India and Russia remain close, navigating the complexities of a new world order together.
Russia has stood by India in times of need. Our partnership is based not just on interests, but on trust — Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Former Prime Minister of India
A Relationship Forged in History
India and the Soviet Union established diplomatic relations shortly after India gained independence in 1947. Through the Cold War, the USSR became India’s key ally—supplying military equipment, vetoing UN resolutions during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, and offering technological support.
The 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation laid the foundation for decades of strategic collaboration. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia inherited and sustained this legacy, branding its partnership with India as a “special and privileged strategic relationship.”
Political and Diplomatic Ties
High-level engagement remains a core pillar of India–Russia relations. In July 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Moscow, marking his first bilateral trip in his third term. The optics were powerful: public statements on sovereignty, shared visions for a multipolar world, and firm rejection of Western pressure.
In 2025, President Vladimir Putin accepted Modi’s invitation to visit New Delhi, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to political continuity. Frequent dialogues through forums like the India–Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC) and the BRICS framework ensure alignment on key global issues.
Even amid tensions in South Asia—such as the recent flare-up between India and Pakistan—Russia has played a careful, stabilizing role, urging restraint and offering quiet mediation behind closed doors.
Economic Cooperation: Oil, Trade, and Sanctions Workarounds
Bilateral trade between India and Russia has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last three years. In 2021, trade hovered around $10 billion. By 2023, it surpassed $65 billion, driven primarily by discounted Russian crude oil imports.
India has emerged as a top buyer of Russian energy, even as Western nations imposed sweeping sanctions following the Ukraine war. The two countries have established rupee-ruble payment mechanisms, opened Indian banks in Moscow, and are exploring digital currency settlements to avoid dollar dependency.
Additionally, Indian pharmaceutical, agricultural, and tech companies are expanding their footprint in Russia, while Russian firms eye Indian markets for defense and infrastructure investment.
Defense and Security: A Core Strategic Link
Defense remains the backbone of the India–Russia relationship. Roughly 60–70% of India’s military hardware is of Russian origin. This includes Su-30MKI fighter jets, T-90 tanks, S-400 missile systems, and nuclear submarines.
In 2025, Russia proposed joint manufacturing of the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter in India—complete with technology transfer. This aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defense and reflects deep trust between the two nations.
Joint military exercises such as INDRA (land, air, and naval drills) continue regularly. Intelligence coordination and arms cooperation are further supported by agreements on cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and space defense.
Energy and Infrastructure
Energy ties extend beyond oil. India and Russia collaborate on nuclear energy, including projects like the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, which is being built with Russian technology.
The two nations are also developing the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, a sea route expected to cut shipping time between India and Russia’s Far East from 40 days to just 24. This corridor complements the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects India, Iran, Russia, and Central Asia.
Together, these projects aim to reshape Eurasian connectivity and reduce dependence on Western-controlled trade routes.
Culture, Education, and People-to-People Ties
Beyond strategy and trade, India and Russia maintain warm cultural relations. Bollywood films remain popular in Russian cities. Russian literature, from Tolstoy to Dostoevsky, continues to be taught in Indian universities.
Thousands of Indian students study medicine, engineering, and aviation in Russian universities—especially in cities like Moscow, Kazan, and Volgograd. Cultural centers in both countries offer language courses, exhibitions, and exchange programs to foster mutual understanding.
In 2024, India was the guest country at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, while 2025 is being marked as the Year of Indian Culture in Russia—with dance festivals, yoga events, and traditional cuisine fairs across 20 cities.
Challenges and Balancing Acts
Despite the strength of their partnership, India and Russia don’t agree on everything.
India has cautiously distanced itself from overt support of Russia’s position on Ukraine, maintaining a stance of strategic autonomy. At the same time, India has expanded its defense ties with the U.S., Japan, and Australia through the Quad alliance—something Moscow views with quiet skepticism.
However, both nations have shown maturity in managing divergences. By focusing on convergence—security, energy, connectivity—they’ve kept the core relationship intact.
India and Russia’s relationship isn’t transactional. It’s not dictated by changing governments or global pressures. It’s rooted in shared history, mutual respect, and long-term vision.
As the world grows more polarized, this partnership offers an example of strategic balance — one where nations can collaborate deeply without compromising independence.
Leave a Reply