International Relations India-Russia Summit GS Paper - 2 Ef | Deepak UPSC Notes

International Relations

India-Russia Summit

GS Paper - 2

Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests

Bilateral Groupings & Agreements

Why in News

Recently, the Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India. At the meeting, India signed many agreements with Russia. The meeting is significant as it was thefirst 2+2 meeting between the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries.

Key Points

First Indo-Russia 2+2 Dialogue: It is the first 2+2 meeting between the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries. 

India has held a 2+2 format of meetings with member nations of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) — the US, Japan and Australia.

Agreement for Kalashnikov Rifles: The two sides signed two contracts for the manufacture of nearly 600,000 AK-203 rifles under a joint venture in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.

Agreement for Military Cooperation:The two countries also signed an agreement for military technology cooperation for the next decade, from 2021 to 2031.

India underlined its goal of becoming Russia’s defense development and production partner from just a buyer.

Moving Ahead on Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement: Beyond defense sales, a Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), as well as a Navy to Navy cooperation MoU are at advanced stages of conclusion

Go Ahead With S-400 Air Defense System Deal:India asserted that it follows an “independent foreign policy”, hinting at the US’ Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

This is referred to in the context of supply of S-400 air defence missile systems which began this month and will continue to happen.

Discussion on Geopolitical Hotspots: The situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East has wider repercussions including for Central Asia.

Maritime security and safety is another domain of shared concern.

The issue of China’s aggressive posture along the northern border was also brought up at the meeting.

Both the countries proposed greater engagements in Central Asia and the Indian Ocean Region

Importance of Russia for India

Combating Terrorism: India and Russia are working to close the gap on Afghanistan and are calling for early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

Support At Multilateral Forums: Additionally, Russia supports India’s candidacy for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council and of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Russia’s Military Exports: Russia has been one of the largest arms exporters to India. Even as Russia’s share in India’s arms imports fell by over 50% in the last five-year period compared to the previous five years (2011–2015). 

In the last 20 years, India imported arms and weapons worth USD 35 billion from Russia, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute which tracks global arms trade.

Emerging New Sectors of Economic Engagement:Apart from traditional areas of cooperation such as weapons, hydrocarbons, nuclear energy, and diamonds, new sectors of economic engagement are likely to emerge — mining, agro-industrial, and high technology, including robotics, nanotech, and biotech.