Context

• Amid tensions with the United States, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval headed to Moscow in a bid to expand defence and industrial ties between India and Russia.

About the Visit

• The visit will focus on strengthening Defence as well as Industrial Ties.
• NSA Ajit Doval’s visit would also focus on the purchase of additional S-400 missile defence systems and dialogue on Su-57 fighter jets.
• As per reports, the two sides would discuss the possibility of the purchase of additional S-400 missile systems and the talks could include setting up S-400 MRO facilities in India.
• NSA Ajit Doval also thanked Russia for its Support for Operation Sindoor and condemning of Pahalgam Terrorist Attack

Current Geopolitical Ties Demands Greater Cooperation

• It is also pertinent to note that the Russian S-400 System played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor that targeted nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. 
• At the same time Brahmos Missile, a joint venture between India and Russia played a significant role during operation Sindoor.

Importance of the Visit

• NSA Ajit Doval also confirmed the upcoming Visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India at End of the Year.
• The Visit comes amid escalating trade relations between the USA and India.
• The visit comes at a crucial time, as Russian President Vladimir Putin and American President Donald Trump can meet in UAE for the Russian-Ukraine War.

About India - Russia Relations

• Historical Overview:
  • 1947: India and the USSR established diplomatic relations just months before India gained independence in August 1947.
  • Cold War Period (1947-1991): The USSR emerged as a reliable ally for India, especially during times of Western hostility.
    • Both signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation (1971) that laid the foundation for a strategic partnership.
    • 1991: India recognised the Russian Federation after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
  • 1993: Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation
  • 2000: Declaration of Strategic Partnership
• Multi-Dimensional Cooperation Framework: India and Russia are bound by a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership (2010).
  • Over the years, it has expanded far beyond traditional military ties, integrating economic, energy, space, and educational cooperation.

Trade and Economic Relations

• Bilateral Trade: Over US$60 Billion in 2024-25; ($50 Billion in 2023–24).
• Main Imports from Russia: Crude oil, coal, fertilizers, and defense equipment.
• Main Exports to Russia: Pharmaceuticals, electronics, iron & steel, tea, and coffee.
• Strategic and Defense Cooperation: It includes INS TUSHIL, S-400 Triumf missile systems, INS Vikramaditya, production of AK-203 Rifle, BrahMos Missile, submarines, tanks, and aircraft.
• India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC): It continues to coordinate procurement, servicing, and joint R&D programs.

Political and Multilateral forums

• Support on Global Platforms: Russia reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
• Both countries coordinate in BRICS, SCO, and G20 to push for a multipolar global order.
• Russia is supportive of India’s Act Far East Policy and Indo-Pacific engagement.

Challenges in Relations

• Geopolitical Pressures: Russia’s growing alignment with China, India’s regional rival, has raised concerns in India.
• India’s strategic partnerships with Western nations, particularly the US, have added layers of complexity to its ties with Russia.
• Payment mechanisms are a challenge due to Western sanctions on Russia, which restrict banking channels.
• Delay in Defense Equipment: Russia’s delayed delivery of the S-400 Triumf air defense system, largely due to the Ukraine conflict and related sanctions, has raised concerns in Indian defence circles.
• India’s efforts to diversify its defense procurement sources could impact its reliance on Russian arms.
• Ukraine Conflict: India’s neutral stance on the Ukraine war has been criticized by Western allies, while Russia expects stronger support from India.
• The conflict has also disrupted global supply chains, affecting bilateral trade.

Conclusion

• As India and Russia mark 78 years of diplomatic engagement, their relationship stands as a resilient example of strategic pragmatism. 
• From being Cold War-era allies to 21st-century strategic partners, the journey reflects adaptability, trust, and mutual benefit. 
• Despite shifting global dynamics, India-Russia ties are poised to remain strong, with new frontiers in trade, technology, and defense cooperation.