The India-Russia relationship has undergone significant changes amidst the ongoing Ukraine war. Prior to the conflict, India and Russia enjoyed a strong bilateral relationship, with Russia being one of India’s largest arms suppliers. However, the Ukraine war has presented challenges and opportunities for both countries to reassess their ties.

Pre-Ukraine War (2014-2022):

• India and Russia had a robust defense partnership, with Russia being the primary supplier of military equipment to India.
• India was also a key player in the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and participated in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) grouping.
• The two countries had a significant trade relationship, with Russia being one of India’s largest trade partners.

Post-Ukraine War (2022-present):

• The Ukraine war has created uncertainty and tension in the region, leading to a reevaluation of India’s relations with both Russia and Ukraine.
• India has walked a fine line between its historical ties with Russia and its growing economic ties with Ukraine.
• In September 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia, which was seen as a significant gesture of support amidst international criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Key Takeaways from Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Russia:

• During his visit, Modi emphasized the importance of bilateral ties between India and Russia, highlighting the long history of cooperation between the two nations.
• The two countries signed several agreements, including a deal on the supply of S-400 missile systems to India.
• Modi also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who praised India’s decision to continue purchasing Russian military equipment despite international pressure.
• The visit was seen as a sign of India’s commitment to maintaining its ties with Russia, while also acknowledging the complexities of the current international situation.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead:

• The Ukraine war has created new challenges for India-Russia relations, particularly in the context of international sanctions against Russia.
• India has been criticized for its continued purchase of Russian military equipment, which may strain its relations with Western nations.
• On the other hand, the visit by Prime Minister Modi suggests that India is committed to maintaining its strategic partnership with Russia.
• The relationship may also provide opportunities for cooperation in areas such as energy trade, space exploration, and counter-terrorism.

While the Ukraine war has created challenges for the India-Russia relationship, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia indicates that both countries remain committed to their strategic partnership. The relationship will likely continue to evolve amidst international tensions and power dynamics, but it is unlikely to be significantly altered in the near term.