Page 10 - The Indian EYE 121925

OPINION DECEMBER 19, 2025 | The Indian Eye 10

PUTIN’S INDIA VISIT:

Strengthening Shared Convergence

in a Turbulent World

The Kremlin’s policies towards China, Central Asia, Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan have a direct

bearing on India’s continental geopolitical environment. An unfriendly Russia would inevitably impinge on
India’s Eurasian policy. In the same vein, both India and Russia have shared concerns about China’s rise

DR RAJORSHI ROY

trengthening shared conver-
gence in a turbulent world ap-
Spears to be the central theme
of the upcoming 23rd annual India–
Russia summit. Amidst the prover-
bial red-carpet reception of Russian
President Vladimir Putin, the signal-
ling and symbolism of the meeting
underscore the robust nature of this
mutually beneficial partnership. In-
cidentally, this year marks the 25th
anniversary of the signing of the stra-
tegic partnership between India and
Russia of which the last 15 have been
“Special and Privileged”. President
Putin, who first assumed Presiden-
cy at the beginning of the millennia,
unsurprisingly, has been its archi-
tect-in-chief.
Notably, much water has flown
under the bridge since Putin’s last vis-
it to India in December 2021. The war
in Ukraine, China’s growing assertive- US President Trump’s allegations of Russian and Chinese nuclear tests are not backed by any concrete evidence (IDSA)
ness and Trump 2.0 have upended the
global strategic landscape. Economic much significance. The pertinent saging, to both global and domestic rise. This is particularly relevant to-
coercion in the form of weaponising question is—what does the future audiences, that New Delhi shall take day in the context of Russia growing
trade and technology has emerged as hold for India–Russia partnership? decisions based on its strategic inter- increasingly dependent on China. So,
a key toolkit of major powers’ state- ests. Here, logic dictates India main- it is in India’s interest to engage Mos-
craft. The India–Russia strategic part- RELEVANCE OF TIES taining robust ties with Russia. Mos- cow to prevent it from moving even
nership has not been immune to these he India–Russia convergence cow retains significant global heft by closer to Beijing.
dynamics. This is particularly relevant seemingly stretches across an virtue of its P5 membership, defence Meanwhile, India appears to be a
in the context of the two sides often Texpansive canvas at both bilat- arsenal, major power diplomacy and vital pillar of Russia’s renewed thrust
pursuing diverging strategic priorities. eral and multilateral levels. reservoir of natural resources. Inci- on its Greater Eurasia and Pivot to
Their multi-vectored foreign policies dentally, Russia’s geographical loca- Asia policies. A strong relationship
have even led to the perception of tion flanking Eurasia—a region which with Delhi makes these initiatives
bilateral ties losing their relevance. STRATEGIC India considers a part of its extended more inclusive and meaningful. It
Similarly, both sides have traditionally n the strategic front, a robust neighbourhood—appears to be a key also allows Russia to project the im-
found it difficult to diversify their ties partnership strengthens the vector in India’s Russia outreach. age that it cannot be isolated and
beyond defence and energy despite Oautonomy of both sides. This The Kremlin’s policies towards that decoupling from it is a Hercule-
the potential. This is seen as a major is vital to prevent dependencies on China, Central Asia, Caucasus, Iran, an task. Similarly, Russia’s espousal
stumbling block in creating a truly any one country or be coerced to take Afghanistan and Pakistan have a di- of multipolarity and multilateralism
comprehensive partnership. While actions which undermine national in- rect bearing on India’s continental complements several aspects of In-
some roadblocks predate the Ukraine terest. Today, amidst the overhang of geopolitical environment. An un- dia’s position on these issues. For a
war, the rest are a direct result of it. Western sanctions for engaging Rus- friendly Russia would inevitably im- weakened Russia today, a potential
The challenge today is to create new sia, India hosting Putin highlights the pinge on India’s Eurasian policy. In G2 comprising the US and China as
templates of collaboration. country placing a premium on its stra- the same vein, both India and Russia the principal architects of shaping
Putin’s visit, therefore, assumes tegic autonomy. Implicit is the mes- have shared concerns about China’s Continued on next page... >>

www.TheIndianEYE.com