Pm Modi Russia Visit 2024 : Why Russia Remains a Crucial Ally for India
Modi-Putin Meeting – pm modi russia visit marks his first since the Ukraine war and his first international trip after being elected Prime Minister for the third time. Despite Western pressures, India continues to value its longstanding relationship with Russia. Here’s why Russia remains an indispensable ally for India.
Defense Material Dependence
- Major Arms Supplier: Russia is India’s largest arms partner and supplier, providing critical defense components.
- Maintenance and Repairs: India’s existing arsenal, including fighter jets, missiles, warships, and helicopters, relies on Russian expertise for upkeep.
- Strategic Systems: India is acquiring the S-400 missile defense system from Russia, vital for its national security. Additionally, weapons like BrahMos missiles and Sukhoi fighter jets are key to India’s military capabilities.
Mineral Oil Dependency
- Primary Oil Supplier: Russia is India’s largest supplier of mineral oil, surpassing Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
- Economic Advantage: Post-2022, India has become Russia’s top oil buyer, purchasing at prices lower than the international rate. This has significantly contributed to India’s energy security, with 40% of its petroleum imports coming from Russia.
- Trade Relations: Despite the increase in oil imports affecting the trade balance, India also buys minerals and fertilizers from Russia, highlighting a broad economic partnership.
Pm Modi Russia Visit 2024 Navigating International Politics
- Balancing Act: India’s close ties with Russia are met with unease from Western countries, especially the US, which views Russia and China as united adversaries.
- Strategic Independence: While the US and Western nations caution against deepening ties with Russia, India prioritizes its national interests, particularly given its ongoing tensions with China.
- Economic Realism: India’s stance is clear—purchasing cheap oil from Russia is necessary for its economy and welfare. Thus, maintaining a balanced foreign policy that doesn’t alienate Russia is crucial.
Pm Modi Russia Visit 2024 Historical Context and Ongoing Diplomacy
- Historical Ties: India and Russia have a history of bilateral summits and strong diplomatic relations, which were interrupted by the pandemic and the Ukraine war but are now set to resume.
- Diplomatic Stance: Throughout the Ukraine conflict, India has advocated for resolution through dialogue, avoiding direct confrontation or sanctions against Russia.
pm modi russia visit understand the enduring importance of the Indo-Russian alliance. Despite global pressures and complex international dynamics, India continues to value its strategic, economic, and defense ties with Russia, ensuring a multifaceted and balanced approach to its foreign policy.