Russian President Vladimir Putin recently highlighted the “unique relationship” between Russia and India, emphasizing mutual trust and collaboration across various fields, particularly in defense, energy, and technology. Addressing delegates at the Valdai international forum in Sochi on November 7, Putin underscored that the Russia-India partnership is more than a mere transactional relationship; it is a deep-rooted strategic alliance underpinned by shared goals in regional security and economic growth. This partnership has seen decades-long cooperation evolve into a more sophisticated alliance that extends beyond arms supply, encompassing joint development of advanced military technology and energy projects.

At the forum, Putin commented on the enduring and multifaceted military-technical collaboration between Russia and India, which has long been the cornerstone of their bilateral relationship. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia remains India’s primary defense supplier despite India’s recent diversification of defense imports and partnerships. Putin’s statement reinforced Russia’s commitment to sustaining this critical aspect of the alliance, noting the role of mutual trust in the transfer of defense technologies and co-development projects.

An example of such collaborative development is the BrahMos missile system, which has become a central component of India’s defense strategy. Co-developed by India and Russia, BrahMos missiles have been successfully integrated into India’s military arsenal across multiple platforms, including air, land, and sea. The supersonic cruise missile system, which enhances India’s deterrence capabilities, also demonstrates the countries’ shared focus on advancing India’s security and defensive autonomy.

Putin expressed optimism for future developments, asserting that Russia’s cooperation in India’s security initiatives is both robust and “widely recognized” without raising concerns or friction with other nations. This cooperation aligns closely with India’s strategic defense goals, positioning the BrahMos system as not only a domestic asset but a valuable export item for New Delhi as well. Earlier this year, the Philippines received a batch of BrahMos missiles worth $375 million, and several other countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, have reportedly shown interest in acquiring this cutting-edge technology.

Beyond defense, energy collaboration between Russia and India has reached unprecedented levels. Putin emphasized that Moscow views India as a key market for Russian energy exports, particularly as India’s demand for oil and natural gas continues to rise. Since 2022, Russian crude oil exports to India have surged over twentyfold, with Russia now exploring avenues to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the South Asian giant. Russia’s focus on expanding energy exports to India comes amid the evolving global energy landscape and heightened Western sanctions on Moscow, which have prompted Russia to deepen economic ties with Asian markets.

One significant element of the Russia-India energy partnership is Russia’s role in India’s nuclear energy sector. Russia is the only foreign country currently assisting India in constructing nuclear power plants, further consolidating its role as an indispensable energy partner. This long-term partnership has already yielded tangible outcomes, such as the establishment of nuclear power facilities that contribute to India’s sustainable energy goals and reduce its dependency on fossil fuels. By diversifying energy sources, Russia and India are creating resilient infrastructure that supports India’s economic growth while addressing climate challenges.

In addition to these projects, Russia is actively investing in India’s domestic energy sector. A notable example is the 2017 acquisition of Essar Oil by a Rosneft-led consortium, marking one of the largest foreign direct investments in India’s energy industry. The acquisition, which involved a $20 billion transaction, led to the establishment of Nayara Energy, which now operates one of India’s largest refining complexes and port facilities in Gujarat. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to investing in India’s energy sector and participating in Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which seeks to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities across sectors.

The relationship between Russia and India extends beyond security and energy, encompassing a wide range of economic exchanges. In recent years, bilateral trade between the two nations has increased dramatically, reaching a record high of $60 billion in 2023. This growth trend has continued in the first nine months of 2024, with Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi setting an ambitious trade target of $100 billion. As part of this effort, both leaders have underscored the importance of addressing the trade imbalance by diversifying trade routes and increasing Indian exports to Russia. This economic cooperation is rooted in a desire to promote self-reliance and reduce dependency on Western markets, especially as India and Russia look to bolster resilience in the face of global economic shifts.

Putin has praised India’s economic initiatives, particularly the ‘Make in India’ program, which aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by encouraging foreign investment and boosting domestic production. Russia’s willingness to support this initiative through investments and technology transfer reflects a broader strategic alignment. Both countries view economic self-sufficiency as a means to mitigate the effects of geopolitical tensions and sanctions.

Russia and India’s close relationship is also a reflection of their shared approach to geopolitical autonomy. Both nations prioritize sovereignty in their foreign policies and aim to maintain independent stances amidst global power rivalries. This approach is evident in India’s decision to maintain strong ties with Russia despite Western pressure to limit engagements with Moscow, particularly in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. India’s pragmatic foreign policy, often referred to as “strategic autonomy,” enables it to balance its relationships with major global powers without aligning itself strictly with any single bloc.

For Russia, India represents an invaluable ally in the multipolar world order that Moscow envisions. As both countries face pressure from Western countries, their partnership provides mutual benefits and reinforces their shared desire to challenge unipolarity. This partnership allows Russia to diversify its economic relationships in Asia, while India gains access to Russian defense technology and energy resources that support its strategic interests.

The strategic partnership between Russia and India appears poised for continued growth. Both countries have demonstrated resilience in adapting their collaboration to address modern challenges and expanding the scope of their relationship. From defense and energy to trade and investment, Russia and India are fostering a comprehensive partnership that addresses both security and development goals. Putin’s comments at the Valdai forum signal Russia’s commitment to supporting India’s rise as a global power and affirm the unique nature of the Russia-India relationship.

As India aspires to become a leading economic and military power, Russia’s role in ensuring its security and supporting its growth will likely deepen. This relationship not only underscores the importance of collaboration between emerging powers but also serves as a model for mutually beneficial partnerships in a rapidly evolving global landscape. By investing in India’s economic and defense capabilities, Russia and India are laying the foundation for a stable and cooperative future.

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