The second honeymoon of the Russian-Indian 'couple'

(Baonghean) - For over 10 years, the annual high-level talks between India and Russia have gradually become a tedious event – ​​likened to a marriage that has passed its romantic phase. However, this year's conference in India witnessed many interesting developments. Both sides wanted to rekindle the passion and renew the relationship to suit the new reality.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin before a bilateral meeting in India on October 15. Photo: AP.

A new turning point

"One old friend is better than two new friends" is the assertion made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding relations with Russia after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last weekend. The cordial gestures between the two leaders, captured by reporters, also showed the warmth between them personally and reflected the level of cooperation between the two countries.

Like other high-level talks, the Russian and Indian leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and pressing international issues. However, the outcome of this meeting is considered significant, with India and Russia signing a series of concrete agreements on defense and energy.

New Delhi and Moscow have signed 16 agreements, including the joint production of 200 military helicopters. India will also purchase destroyers and missile defense systems from Russia to bolster its defenses on its borders with Pakistan and China.

Most notably, this includes the agreement for Moscow to supply New Delhi with the advanced S-400 Triumf air defense missile system. This is Russia's most modern generation of tactical missiles and also one of the most advanced air defense missile systems in the world today.

This agreement holds significant implications for Russia-India relations. Previously, India was almost entirely dependent on Russia for equipping its armed forces, but recently it has diversified its options by leaning towards cooperation with the US, France, and Israel. With the S-400 deal, Russia hopes to surpass the US and Europe in the fierce competition to become India's largest supplier of defense equipment.

Beyond the defense sector, the two countries have also strengthened their ties through major economic agreements. Russia's largest oil and gas company, Rosneft, officially signed an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in India's Essar Oil for $13 billion.

Following the commissioning of reactor number 2 at the Russian-built nuclear power plant in southern India, Russia continued to support India in building two more reactors. Additionally, the two sides signed an agreement to establish a joint investment fund with a capital of $1 billion.

These agreements are expected to create new momentum to propel relations between India and Russia to a new level, against a backdrop of challenges posed by shifting global alliance strategies and the Middle East conflict.

India is particularly interested in the contract to purchase the S-400 missile system from Russia. Photo: Reuters.

The challenge of balance

Russia and India were close allies during the Cold War, but in recent years the relationship has become more complicated. Discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at renewing the relationship appear to have gone off track as India strengthened ties with the US and Russia developed closer ties with China and Pakistan.

However, at the present time, both Russia and India need each other. Facing difficulties from economic sanctions imposed by the US and the West, Russia's efforts to promote economic cooperation with India are seen as a step to help Moscow stabilize its domestic economy to some extent.

For India, ensuring energy security is a top priority as part of its "Make in India" economic development strategy. New Delhi also wants to upgrade its military equipment to protect its borders with Pakistan, a sworn enemy, and with China, an increasingly powerful nation.

However, strengthening Russia-India relations requires both sides to be strategic so as not to alienate their respective partners. News of Russia selling the S-400 missile system to India will certainly cause China sleepless nights. What displeases Beijing is that the agreement was signed at a time when relations between Moscow and Beijing were at an unprecedented high, and Beijing was simultaneously in confrontation and competition with New Delhi.

Russia's move will inevitably lead China to suspect that the Putin administration is selling China many advanced weapons while simultaneously trying to "contain" its ally by selling cutting-edge weapons to neighboring countries that are hostile to China.

Similarly, the US is certainly uncomfortable with its "strategic partner of the 21st century" returning to a warmer relationship with Russia. This is clearly a difficult dilemma for Prime Minister Modi. A neutral stance in relations with major powers may offer India many immediate benefits as these powers offer "gifts" to entice and win support.

But in the long run, when everyone is playing games, there are never any true friends. Therefore, Prime Minister Modi will have to be very skillful in handling the tightrope walking in his relationships with major powers.

According to observers, the Russia-India relationship will progress further in the future due to the geopolitical roles of both countries. And to have a more successful second "honeymoon," both sides need flexible calculations not only on the bilateral level but also in other international relations.

Thanh Huyen