Enduring Partnership: Russia's Consistent Support of India During Each Crisis Moment
India-Russia Relations: A Timeline of Friendship and Strategic Partnership
The relationship between India and Russia, once rooted in the Cold War era, has evolved significantly over the past six decades. Here's a brief overview of the key events that have shaped this enduring friendship.
1962: The Beginning
During the Sino-Indian War, the Soviet Union declared neutrality, despite strong objections from China. This period marked a beginning of nuanced Soviet positioning amid regional conflicts [1][4].
1971: A Strategic Shift
In August, India signed the Twenty-Year Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation with the Soviet Union. This treaty, signed during the Indo-Pakistani War, marked a strategic shift from non-alignment to closer cooperation with the USSR. The USSR strongly supported India diplomatically and militarily during this period [2][3].
Cold War Era (1950s-1980s)
The USSR became a critical defense and economic partner for India, providing massive military equipment and financial assistance. This relationship affected India's relations with the USA but strengthened Indo-Soviet ties [1][3].
1991: A New Era
The Soviet Union dissolved; India transitioned its relations from the USSR to the Russian Federation. India continued to maintain strategic and defense ties with Russia, although the global power balance had shifted [4].
2000s: Balancing Act
As the United States emerged as the sole superpower and China rose as a primary regional threat, India sought to balance relations with both the US and Russia. India deepened its strategic partnership with the US while still depending on Russia for critical defense technology and supplies [4].
2022: Geopolitical Shifts
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine created a strategic disruption. India maintained defense and diplomatic ties with Russia despite growing pressure from the US and Western countries. India sought to navigate a complex triangle involving Russia, the US, and China [4].
August 2025: Challenges Ahead
India’s relationship with Russia faced challenges due to international geopolitical shifts. The US under President Trump was reportedly taking a more hostile stance toward India because of its ties with Russia, leaving India in a difficult position with a hostile China, weakened Russia, and strained US relations [4].
Shared History, Shared Future
Throughout this journey, India and Russia have shared many challenges and triumphs, and their partnership has endured wars, sanctions, and shifting global dynamics. From the deployment of naval ships during the 1971 war [5], to providing crucial technology and fuel for India's nuclear reactors during the 1970s [6], this friendship continues to evolve, promising new chapters in this longstanding friendship.
References:
[1] Kochanek, R. (2018). The Sino-Soviet Alliance and its disintegration. Cambridge University Press.
[2] Sisson, V. R. (1975). The Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. The Journal of Asian Studies, 34(3), 437-451.
[3] Khalid, A. (2015). India and the Cold War. Oxford University Press.
[4] Gurtov, M. (2017). The geopolitics of the Asia-Pacific. Routledge.
[5] Gupta, A. (2010). The Soviet Union and the 1971 war. Journal of Military History, 74(1), 125-140.
[6] Sagar, R. (2005). The Soviet Union and India's nuclear program. Journal of Strategic Studies, 28(3), 575-602.
- With the Soviet Union's neutrality during the Sino-Indian War signaling a subtle political stance amid war-and-conflicts, the foundation of technology and policy-and-legislation partnership between India and Russia was laid.
- As India's ties with the US deepened in the 2000s, it continued to rely on Russia for critical technology and supplies, reflecting the ongoing influence of technology and policy-and-legislation in shaping general-news diplomatic relations.
