Times change and so do the stature of the countries and consequently the plinth on which their Foreign Policies are built. In spite of so much goodwill, Russian policymakers do not seem to be fully updated about India’s geopolitical equations. Well, NSA Ajit Doval just made them realise it.
Ajit Doval in Russia (Unannounced)
Recently Ajit Doval was in Russia. NSA’s sudden visit to the big landmass is considered as preliminary preparation for the upcoming G20 meeting in which almost every giant will participate. But, Ajit Doval was not there only to strengthen the existing partnership with Russia. He reminded Russian policymakers that while trodding along China, they need to keep in mind that India and China can’t exactly be called as friends.
Russia’s differing equations with India and China
While India-Russia ties have been a hotly debated topic in the media domain, there is very little talk about the prospects hampering this decades-old partnership. While issues like distance, tariff barriers and other regulatory problems are being removed, the CHINA QUESTION is still a bone of contention. In February this year, both countries had declared that Russia and China friendship has virtually no limit. Quote, “Friendship between the two States has no limits, there are no ‘forbidden’ areas of cooperation,…”
The breakdown of the joint statement indicates that when it comes to choosing between India and China, Russia would go ahead with China. Why am I saying it? Well, it is because India-Russia bond is called a “special and privileged strategic partnership” in official documents. There is a difference between “no limit partnership” and “special and privileged strategic partnership”. Special and privileged strategic partnership has a limit while the former has not.
Right Step in the right direction
This is what India is worried about. While, it is true that Russia has been with us in every area of cooperation, it is also true that traditionally it has been based on India’s lower status in geopolitical equations. On the other hand, China has emerged as a big economic hegemon and Russia started treating China on par with its status in early 2000s. Lately, with its over the top growth rate, and officially declared military capability (still unproven), China has gained the upper hand. Russia relies on China for a lot of stuff which includes evading sanctions.
But, Russian policy makers have not been able to treat India at par. Apparently, India’s economic might is way more than Russia and traditionally the Soviet nation has relied on us for their Forex Reserves. Also, India is quickly decreasing its military reliability on Russia in the wake of Aatmanirbharta in Defence (Make in India). The time has come when Russia starts to answer the questions about India’s contentions with China. Though, official press release after Doval’s meeting with Nikolai Patrushev did not answer such questions, a reminder by India is definitely a right step at the right time.
Cooperation will continue
On his announced trip to Russia, Ajit Doval also met Deputy PM Denis Manturov. Manturov is also a Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia. Discussing a range of issues including trade and economic ties and outer space among others, Russia has announced that it will be withdrawing from the International Space Station.
Russians will be creating their own space station after leaving ISS and it is looking for a stable partnership with reliable partners like India. ISRO’s increasing capability on Space sparks hope among Russian policy makers. The Modi government will soon be declaring India’s space policy and don’t get surprised if Russia gets special mention in the official documents.
Also Read: MEA’s response to countries crying India-Russia, “stay the hell out of our business”
No compromise on territorial sovereignty
Doval’s trip came as a reality check for Russia. India has emerged as the second largest buyer of Russian Ural Crude. Moreover, the trade ties between both countries in other areas are also ballooning. However, it does not mean that India needs to follow every lead. India’s actions also indicate that. India is already leading the QUAD, also the newly formed I2U2, telling Russia and in effect China that India is strategically autonomous.
India is ready to collaborate on every term, except its own interests. Territorial sovereignty is the definition of civilisational states. There won’t be any compromise on it. Even Russia has communicated this very message to China in the past, so they should not have any problem understanding it.
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