Question

‘‘Indo-Russian relations are embedded in the history of trust and common interests.’’ Support the statement with four examples.

Hint:

Key Pillars of Indo-Russian Relations: 1. 1971 Friendship Treaty & UNSC Veto support. 2. Defense Collaboration: Co-production (BrahMos, Su-30MKI, S-400). 3. Energy & Nuclear Power: Kudankulam Nuclear Plant & Russian oilfields. 4. Multipolar World: Shared leadership in BRICS and SCO.

Answer 1

Concept: Bilateral relations between India and Russia (and formerly the Soviet Union) represent a cornerstone of Indian foreign policy. Driven by shared geopolitical objectives, long-standing diplomatic cooperation, and mutual economic interests, India and Russia maintain a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership." Four Examples Supporting the Statement:
• Historical Strategic Cooperation and the 1971 Treaty of Peace and Friendship:
• During the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War crisis, when India faced military threats from the US-Pakistan-China axis, the USSR stood firmly by India by signing the historic 20-Year Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation in August 1971.
• The USSR repeatedly used its veto power in the UN Security Council to protect India's national interest regarding Kashmir and Bangladesh.
• Defense and Military Technology Partnership:
• Russia remains India's largest, most crucial supplier of defense hardware and military equipment.
• Crucially, the relationship has evolved from a simple buyer-seller model to joint research, development, and co-production of advanced defense technology, such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, license manufacturing of Su-30MKI fighters, T-90 tanks, and the supply of S-400 air defense systems.
• Energy Security and Nuclear Energy Collaboration:
• Russia has provided extensive technical and financial assistance for India's civil nuclear power development, most notably in building the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu.
• India holds substantial equity investments in Russian oil and gas fields (e.g., Sakhalin-1, Vankor), ensuring long-term crude oil supplies to meet India's expanding energy needs.
• Shared Vision of a Multipolar World Order:
• Both nations share a strategic vision of a multipolar world order, resisting unilateral dominance by any single superpower.
• They collaborate closely in major international multilateral forums such as BRICS , the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) , and the G20 , advocating for reformed global governance institutions and international law.