The India-Russia Relationship: Pragmatism Over Partnership?

The India-Russia relationship is often described as a “time-tested friendship.” From Cold War solidarity to defense cooperation and energy deals, Moscow and New Delhi have shared a unique strategic bond. But in recent years, a complex set of dynamics—ranging from the U.S.-China rivalry to the Russia-Ukraine war—have tested the foundations of this association.

This article examines whether India’s relationship with Russia today is rooted in enduring partnership or driven increasingly by strategic pragmatism. It explores defense ties, energy security, multilateral diplomacy, and shifting geopolitical pressures.

Historical Context: From Ideological Alignment to Strategic Depth

India's ties with Russia date back to the early days of the Cold War, when the Soviet Union emerged as a key ally.

Soviet Support in Critical Moments: Moscow vetoed UN Security Council resolutions during India’s conflicts with Pakistan and was instrumental in India’s 1971 victory in Bangladesh.

Defense and Technology Transfer: The USSR became India’s largest arms supplier, offering not just hardware but technology-sharing deals that Western countries were unwilling to match.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, relations cooled temporarily, but they were revived in the late 1990s and formalized with the 2000 “India-Russia Strategic Partnership.”

Defense Cooperation: Enduring but Evolving

India remains heavily reliant on Russian military hardware, though diversification is growing.

Key Facts:

Over 60% of India's military inventory is of Russian origin.

Major platforms include the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, INS Vikramaditya (aircraft carrier), T-90 tanks, and the S-400 missile defense system.

The two nations also engage in joint production—notably the BrahMos cruise missile.

Challenges:

Maintenance and Spare Parts: Dependence on Russian systems complicates logistics, especially during global sanctions.

Diversification: India has increased imports from France, the U.S., and Israel, signaling an intent to reduce over-reliance.

Geopolitical Pressure: The U.S. CAATSA law (sanctioning countries purchasing Russian defense equipment) presents a legal and diplomatic tightrope for India.

While defense ties remain deep, India’s calculus is shifting toward self-reliance and supplier diversification.

Energy Security: A New Dimension

The Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 opened up a new chapter in India-Russia relations—energy economics.

Key Developments:

India began importing discounted Russian crude oil, despite Western sanctions.

By mid-2023, Russia had become India’s largest oil supplier, surpassing Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Why It Matters:

For India, energy security and cost savings were paramount.

For Russia, India became a crucial buyer as European markets dried up.

This mutually beneficial dynamic is purely pragmatic—not ideological, not emotional.

Multilateral Forums: Converging and Diverging Agendas

India and Russia collaborate in multiple global platforms:

BRICS (with Brazil, China, South Africa)

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) negotiations

Yet, notable friction points are emerging.

Tensions:

Russia’s increasing dependence on China affects India's strategic calculus.

India’s Indo-Pacific strategy and deepening ties with the United States, Japan, and Australia (QUAD) run counter to Moscow’s alignment with Beijing.

Moscow’s criticism of the Indo-Pacific as a “divisive” concept signals strategic divergence.

India’s participation in both Western-led and non-Western platforms reflects a multi-alignment strategy rather than ideological loyalty to any bloc.

Ukraine War: The Ultimate Stress Test

India’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was closely watched.

Position: India abstained from UN resolutions condemning Russia but called for respect for sovereignty and dialogue.

Rationale: India sought to protect its strategic autonomy and core interests without explicitly endorsing or opposing Russia.

This neutral stance was not without consequences:

It drew criticism from the West but did not derail ties with the U.S. or Europe.

It preserved energy and defense ties with Russia.

India’s diplomacy emphasized national interest over ideological alignment—a hallmark of realism.

Public Sentiment and Soft Power

Culturally, the India-Russia relationship lacks the depth of India’s ties with the U.S. or UK in terms of education, immigration, or civil society linkages.

Russian soft power has waned in India compared to its Cold War heyday.

Indian students in Russia and bilateral tourism remain modest in scale.

This absence of a strong people-to-people foundation makes the relationship more state-driven and transactional.

Conclusion: A Calculated Partnership

India-Russia ties today are neither ruptured nor romantic. They are defined by strategic interests, mutual utility, and the careful management of contradictions.

India will likely continue:

Engaging Russia for defense and energy,

Navigating Western sanctions pragmatically,

Maintaining autonomy in foreign policy.

Whether this constitutes true partnership or mere pragmatism depends on how both nations adapt to changing global equations.

In the end, it may not be a question of choosing between the West and Russia—but of ensuring India’s own interests are never held hostage to either.