Firm Friendship Between India and Russia

India's friendship with Russia is centuries old. It has withstood the test of time despite several stormy phases, successive governments coming in and going out of power, and aggravation and reestablishment of relations with neighbors. India's ties with Russia remained unaltered with the phase of the Soviet Union led by Communists coming to an end. A section of political quarters commented that the India-Russia friendship of the past probably would not be maintained.

Step Toward Furthering Ties
During the initial couple of years led by Boris Yeltsin, some uncertainty in relations with Russia was witnessed temporarily. Yet, for the past some time, warmth was felt. With Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin taking over the Russian president, the Indian-Russian ties were strengthened further. Ever since he became the Russia president, particularly during his recent India visit, he took a step toward furthering ties with India.

Putin held a series of meetings with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. After these meetings, 19 agreements were signed between the countries on a single day. Nonetheless, an issue has been hanging fire between India and Russia, relating to the purchase of the war fleet. The agreement was, however, finally reached after certain bargaining pertaining to the transaction and it was eventually signed. The deal for MIG-229 and for the purchase of a fresh consignment was also finalized. Another agreement related to the purchase of Sukhoi favorably competes with US friendships.

A nuclear bomb agreement was also reached with India that became a subject of debate but nothing positive emerged until hitherto. The deal was, however, finalized with an agreement with the visiting Russian prime minister under which 12 nuclear power houses will be set up in India. It will meet a big requirement of India. This was the only way out of the serious power crisis faced by the country in recent past. This has been made possible with the Russian support.

Laudable Achievement
The most laudable achievement is that Russia has resolved to back India in its fight against terrorism. Putin again promised support to India in the context of the latest scenario relating to Afghanistan. He described terrorist activities within Pakistan as a great threat to India and the rest of the world. He clarified that these terrorist activities pose a serious threat to the peace in the entire region. He categorically stated that banned militant organizations are engaged in terror activities openly.

The world today finds itself at a crossroad of shifting power balance. Now, there no longer prevails the US predominance. The conditions today have undergone a vast change. A new global change is emerging in the economic sector. Its due notice is being taken by the United States also.

Time Ahead
In the circumstances, the vital fact that has emerged is not that 19 agreements have been signed between India and Russia on a single day, but instead it is that the Indian-Russian proximity has reemerged with a bang once again. Putin has clarified that Russia will not extend friendship toward any country at the cost of India.

Its clear implication is that unlike Yeltsin who stopped the supply of saprogenic engine to India at the US instance, the present Russian rulers will not do so now. We wish this firm friendship between India and Russia will continue to be strengthened further in the times ahead.