External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent statement, calling India-Russia relations “the only constant in world politics,” offers a potent distillation of a complex and enduring diplomatic equation. In a world characterized by shifting alliances, geopolitical realignments, and rising uncertainties, the stability and depth of the India-Russia partnership stand out as a remarkable anomaly. To unpack this statement’s full import, we must delve into the historical, strategic, and contemporary factors that have sculpted this unique relationship.
The bedrock of India-Russia ties lies in the Cold War era. Soviet support for India during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 cemented a bond forged by shared opposition to Western dominance and colonial legacy. This political alignment translated into robust military cooperation, with Russia emerging as a crucial supplier of advanced weaponry and defense technologies for India’s burgeoning military. Beyond defense, collaboration spanned diverse domains like nuclear energy, space exploration, and trade, fostering a deep interdependence and mutual trust.
However, the post-Cold War era ushered in a period of relative uncertainty. With the Soviet Union’s demise, India’s strategic choices diversified, embracing closer ties with the West while maintaining its traditional partnership with Russia. This balancing act was fraught with challenges, particularly as Russia’s relationship with the West deteriorated in the wake of the Ukraine crisis.
Despite these external pressures, the core foundation of India-Russia relations has remained remarkably stable. Several factors have contributed to this resilience:
Converging strategic interests: Both India and Russia face common challenges, including terrorism, religious extremism, and the rise of a multipolar world order. This shared threat perception encourages cooperation on critical security issues.
Energy security: Russia remains a vital source of affordable oil and gas for India, particularly as global energy markets face volatility. This resource dependence strengthens the economic dimension of the partnership.
Defense cooperation: Russia continues to be India’s primary source of advanced military technology, catering to its needs for fighter jets, missile systems, and submarines. This strategic partnership ensures India’s military preparedness and autonomy.
Multilateral platforms: Both countries collaborate in various international fora like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), advocating for a multipolar world order and challenging Western dominance on issues of global governance.
While these factors ensure continued cooperation, the evolving global landscape presents new challenges for the India-Russia relationship. The Ukraine war has cast a long shadow, straining India’s relations with the West while pushing Russia into greater isolation. Balancing these competing interests will require diplomatic deftness and strategic maneuvering.
Furthermore, India’s own economic aspirations necessitate diversification of its trade and investment partnerships. While Russia remains a significant economic partner, India’s growing engagement with the West and its Look East policy necessitate greater economic integration with other Asian nations.
Therefore, to remain “the only constant,” the India-Russia partnership must evolve, adapting to the changing global dynamics. This would entail:
Expanding the scope of cooperation: Going beyond traditional areas like defense and energy, the partnership could explore new frontiers like cyber security, artificial intelligence, and climate change.
Balancing strategic partnerships: India must navigate its relations with Russia and the West with greater dexterity, ensuring its core security interests are protected without jeopardizing its broader strategic relationships.
Investing in economic diversification: While maintaining strong economic ties with Russia, India must also pursue greater trade and investment opportunities with other countries, particularly in Asia, to fuel its economic growth.
In conclusion, while External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s statement might be an oversimplification, it captures the essence of a uniquely enduring relationship. The India-Russia partnership, forged in the fires of the Cold War, has weathered numerous storms and remains a potent force in the international arena. However, to retain its relevance in the 21st century, this partnership must adapt and evolve, embracing new areas of cooperation while navigating the complexities of a shifting global order. Only by doing so can it truly live up to its billing as “the only constant in world politics.”
