ARRESTING THE DRIFT
Important points to be noted in this article are as follows :
Evolution of India Russia relation
- Through the vicissitudes of the past 70 years since Independence, Russia has been a time-tested ally of India.
- India has traditionally sought to maintain a delicate balance between superpowers and refrained from groupism for its own advantage.
- However, in recent years this position appears to have shifted in favour of finding new allies amid its calculations about the changing alignments of power across the world. This change has, to an extent, fuelled India’s interest in joining the Quad.
- India’s traditional equations with Russia have shifted, and Russia’s interest in getting closer to Pakistan and China has grown.
The concern
- In line with this reasoning, the biggest fear in India’s foreign policy circles is that the ongoing shift in equations with Russia could lead to Russia drifting away from India.
- The immediate concern regarding this drift is that a Russia-China-Pakistan trilateral could emerge if India doesn’t play its cards well.
- Both China and Pakistan would be eager to support such an alliance as it could arrest India’s strategic momentum in the region and globally.
Conclusion
The risks of Moscow drifting away from New Delhi’s strategic sphere, into the arms of regional rivals, are high. The quickest remedy is to reengage with Russia with the specific aim of demonstrating that it is still an important friend of India.
Relevance : GS 2
Try this probable Mains question :
Evaluate India’s new role in the changing world order. Does India adhere to the principles Non-Aligned Movement ? [ 250 words]
