Rapport with Russia

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s ongoing visit to Russia is significant in several ways: it comes amid Sino-India border tensions that Russia, a common ally, seems keen to defuse; it’s the first foreign trip by a senior Union minister since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in the country; and it offers India an opportunity to push for the timely delivery of the S-400 air defence missile systems. In October 2018, India had signed a $5-billion deal with Russia, disregarding the Trump administration’s warning that the pact could attract US curbs under CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). In June last year, India had assertively told the US that it would go by its national interest while dealing with other countries, including sanctions-hit Russia.

Though Russia has been India’s all-weather friend for decades, strengthening bilateral cooperation and gaining diplomatic support are of the essence now in view of the Chinese muscle-flexing in eastern Ladakh. China has been Russia’s largest trade partner for the past decade or so. The two neighbours have come closer following the trade sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia in 2014. Moscow is expected to walk a tightrope: it would stop short of antagonising Beijing, but at the same time want to remain in New Delhi’s good books. While building international consensus, India needs to convince countries like Russia to make China see reason and understand contemporary geopolitical realities.

Without mentioning the Galwan valley violence, India managed to convey a strong message to China during the virtual conference of the Russia-India-China (RIC) foreign ministers on Tuesday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed the need for respecting international law, recognising legitimate interests of partners, and bolstering multilateralism. With the Covid-ravaged US baying for its blood, China is running out of supporters in the international arena. Maintaining good relations with Russia could help China handle the crisis, but India — which is poised to play a key role in the post-pandemic world order — simply can’t be kept out of the equation. Covid-19, which is swamping India as well as Russia, gives both of them another pressing reason to work in tandem.

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