Balancing the Bear

In recent years, the relationship between India and Russia has strengthened significantly. Both countries have had close ties, but their partnership today has expanded across defence, energy, and trade. While this growing alliance brings benefits, it also raises concerns about India becoming too reliant on Russia.

One of the strongest areas of cooperation between the two nations is defence. About 60% of India’s military equipment is still Russian. This includes fighter jets like the Su-30MKI, tanks such as the T-90, and systems like the S-400 missile defence. India and Russia also collaborate on weapons development, including the well-known BrahMos missile, considered one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world. Recently, there have been discussions about India purchasing or even co-producing Russia’s next-generation stealth fighter, the Su-57. These examples highlight how crucial Russia is to India’s defence needs.

Energy is another major area where India is boosting its partnership with Russia. Before the Russia-Ukraine war, Russian oil made up a small portion of India’s imports. By mid-2024, over 40% of India’s crude oil imports came from Russia. India started buying Russian oil at discounted prices when many Western countries halted business with Russia. This helped India manage fuel prices domestically and saved money. 

Trade between the two countries has also increased sharply. In the financial year 2023–24,  trade exceeded $65 billion, marking a record high. However, this trade is largely one-sided. India imported about $61 billion in goods from Russia, mostly oil and coal, while its exports to Russia were only around $4 billion. This significant trade imbalance is an issue India needs to manage carefully in the coming years.

To improve trade connectivity, India and Russia are developing new transport routes. One of these is the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, which would shorten delivery times between the two countries. Another is the International North-South Transport Corridor, connecting India to Russia via Iran and Central Asia. 

Politically, both nations maintain a strong understanding. Even though many Western countries have criticised Russia for its actions in Ukraine, India has chosen a more neutral position. It has called for peace without directly condemning Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin have met several times, and both leaders often discuss their countries’ special friendship.

However, this growing closeness also poses challenges. Some experts worry that India is becoming too tied to Russia at a time when the world is becoming more divided. Relying too heavily on Russian weapons and energy could make it harder for India to keep its strategic independence. There is also the risk of facing pressure from countries like the United States, which has imposed sanctions on some nations doing business with Russia.

At the same time, India is also strengthening its defence partnerships with countries such as France, Israel, and the United States. This shows that India is trying to diversify its options and not depend on a single partner.

In conclusion, India’s partnership with Russia is strengthening. However, as this alliance grows, India must maintain balance. Strategic friendships are important, but excessive dependence on any one country can limit a nation’s ability to make independent decisions.