On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in a significant meeting with prominent Russian scholars and representatives from various think tanks in Russia.
This interaction, underscores the evolving dynamics of India-Russia relations at a time of heightened global geopolitical tension.
Historical Context of India-Russia Relations
The foundation of India-Russia relations dates back to the Cold War era, when the Soviet Union emerged as a critical ally for India.
The Soviet Union provided substantial support for India’s industrial and military development, including the construction of steel plants, power infrastructure, and the supply of military hardware.
A notable example is the 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation, which solidified bilateral ties during India’s conflict with Pakistan.
This relationship persisted post-1991, transitioning into a strategic partnership with the Russian Federation.
In recent years, this partnership has been institutionalized through mechanisms such as the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC), established in 2000, and the 2+2 ministerial dialogues initiated in 2021.
The latest agreement for military-technical cooperation, signed in December 2021 and spanning 2021-2031, reflects a commitment to joint research, development, and production of advanced weaponry.
Historical economic collaboration, such as the $11.38 billion loan from Russia in 2017 for a nuclear power plant in Kudankulam (with units slated for operation by 2024), further illustrates the depth of this alliance.
The August 20, 2025 Meeting: Key Details
The images accompanying Jaishankar’s X post depict a formal roundtable discussion in an elegant conference room, adorned with the national flags of India and Russia.
The presence of multiple flags suggests a high-level diplomatic engagement, likely involving representatives from Russia’s influential think tanks, such as the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) and the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies (RISI).
According to the Atlantic Council’s 2020 report, these institutions play a pivotal role in shaping Russia’s foreign policy narratives, serving as platforms for intellectual exchange and soft power projection.
Jaishankar’s post highlights discussions on India-Russia relations, contemporary world geopolitics, and India’s perspective on global issues.
This meeting coincides with a reported trade target of $30 billion for 2025, a significant increase from the $13.1 billion recorded in 2020-21.
A key development mentioned is the March 2025 agreement for the supply of 1,000 HP engines for India’s T-72 tanks, a move that strengthens military-technical cooperation despite Western sanctions on Russia following its actions in Ukraine.
Additionally, Russia’s share of India’s oil imports has surged to over 40% by June 2024, up from negligible levels pre-2022, reflecting India’s strategic pivot to capitalize on discounted Russian energy amidst global supply disruptions.
Strategic Implications
This dialogue occurs against a backdrop of shifting global alliances.
India’s relationship with Russia has traditionally been a counterbalance to its complex ties with the United States and China.
The West, particularly the U.S., has expressed concerns over India’s growing reliance on Russia, especially given the imposition of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in 2017.
However, India’s procurement of the S-400 Triumf missile defense system in 2018 for $5.43 billion, despite CAATSA threats, signaled its willingness to prioritize strategic autonomy.
The current meeting reinforces this autonomy.
The supply of tank engines and the oil trade indicate a deepening economic and military partnership, potentially straining India’s alignment with Western-led initiatives like the Quad (with the U.S., Japan, and Australia).
Simultaneously, India’s engagement with Russia could serve as a hedge against China’s assertiveness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where tensions have persisted since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
Russia, maintaining a neutral stance in India-China disputes, offers India a valuable diplomatic and military partner.
The involvement of Russian think tanks adds another layer of significance.
These institutions, as noted by the Atlantic Council, act as conduits for policy influence and international outreach.
The dialogue likely included discussions on multipolarity, a concept Russia and India both advocate to counter Western dominance.
This aligns with Russia’s “Greater Eurasia” narrative and India’s push for a reformed global order, potentially positioning both nations as leaders in a multipolar world.
Economic Dimensions
Economically, the India-Russia partnership is gaining momentum.
The $30 billion trade target for 2025 builds on a foundation laid by the 1953 Trade Agreement, extended over decades.
Russia’s role as a major oil supplier has been a game-changer, with India importing over 1.2 million barrels per day from Russia in mid-2024, according to Reuters data.
This shift, driven by Western sanctions on Russian energy, has allowed India to secure affordable oil while supporting Russia’s economy, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.
The March 2025 tank engine deal further exemplifies this synergy.
The T-72, a mainstay of the Indian Army, requires modernization, and Russia’s expertise in armored vehicle technology meets this need.
This collaboration could extend to joint production, enhancing India’s “Make in India” initiative and reducing dependence on Western suppliers like the U.S. or France.
Geopolitical Ramifications
The timing of this meeting is noteworthy, occurring amid U.S.-China trade tensions and Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. India’s refusal to condemn Russia at international forums like the United Nations has already drawn scrutiny from the West.
For Russia, the partnership with India is a lifeline amidst isolation from Europe and North America. The sale of military hardware and energy resources to India offsets losses from Western markets, while intellectual exchanges with Indian policymakers reinforce Moscow’s global influence.
This mutual dependence could lead to a more formalized alliance, though both nations are likely to avoid a binding military pact to preserve strategic flexibility.
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