Lately, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a ‘true patriot.’
Putin lauded Modi for following an independent foreign policy for the welfare of his country and its people. However, the remark is not just part of the bilateral relationships, say experts.
It shows that Putin is glad about India’s neutral stance in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He praised Modi, saying that India developed a lot under his leadership and holds a great future. Putin also lauded Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative adding that the Russia-India association in the military and technology arenas will go on.
“We never had outstanding issues with India. We have always supported each other and I am sure that the mutual support will continue in the future,”
Vladimir Putin
All these happened at a time when the United State’s recent National Defence Strategy labelled Russia a threat to America and its allies. In fact, the whole world is divided over the Russia-Ukraine war – those who support Russia and those who don’t. However, India has not made a negative remark about the Ukraine invasion, which Russia calls ‘a special military opeartion.’
India talked to both Russia and Ukraine and exhorted for diplomacy and dialogue in solving the crisis. Moreover, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will travel to Moscow early next month to talk with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
Why does India maintain its neutral stance?
India cannot cut ties with Russia because the latter plays a great role in India’s space and military projects. From design to inception, Russian support is imperative in all phases of India’s military nuclear programmes. As of now, India is building three nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and plans to build six nuclear-powered attack submarines. All these rely on Russian help. Besides, India’s missile programmes use Russian technology.
When the global economy shook following the Russia-Ukraine war, India sustained, thanks to the oil import from Russia. Currently, India is Russia’s largest oil distribution location. Russia also helps India with coal and fertilizers.
It should be noted that India does not want the Russia-China ties to strengthen.
India fears that as the world corners Putin, he might amplify his ties with Beijing. So, India has to tread carefully. The world’s largest democracy, India does not follow the paths of the US or China. China attempts to please Russia by blaming the US and NATO. However, India has not criticised NATO, and above all, exhorted for peace. Global nations are keen on India’s next move.
