India-Russia: An Age Old Friendship

India-Russia: An Age Old Friendship

Introduction:

Diplomatic relationship between India and Russia are 65 years old since India's independence. Russia has been India's most valuable and trusted defense and economic partner. India and Russia moved to strategic level partnership in oct 2000. It has been stated by both the countries from time to time that deepening the friendship and cooperation is top priorities of their foreign policies. Russia has been supporting India's intentions for membership in UNSC and SCO.

Channels of Relationship:

• Common Research and Development
• Direct Contact between Business Communities
• Cultural Ties
• Humanitarian Ties
• Science and Technological Ties
• Defense and Military Support
• Partnership in all Spheres

Joint Research and Development Projects:

• Multirole Transportation Aircraft (T 50)
• Brahmos Supersonic Missile 
• T90 Bhishma Tank
• Nuclear Submarine INS Arihant

Russian Support to India 

• Sharing of Weapon Technology
• Leasing out Nuclear Submarine INS Chakra
• MIG and Sukhoi Aircrafts
• Battle Tanks
• And many more
• Support in Kudankulam plant
• Steel Industry in Bhilai
• Many Navy Ships 

Potential Economic Areas

• Steel Industry
• Hydrocarbon Industry
• Chemical Industry
• Pharmaceuticals 
• Car& Aircraft Manufacturing
• Information Technology
• Biotechnology

Disputed Issue between two Countries

• India's Refusal to waive Civil Nuclear Liability for units III and IV of Kudankulam Nuclear Plant
• India's Failure to Secure Russian Telecom Company Sistema's massive investment in Joint Venture Sistema Shyam Teleservice Ltd
• Delay in Delivery of Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya 
• High Tax imposed on Imperial Energy , an Indian company operating in Russia

Recent Agreements during Putin's Visit to India

• Two Satelite agreements with Glonass
• Agreement on operating Ranging Station that will help accurately fixing the location of satelites
• Direct trade in energy sector in both upstream and downstream
• $2bn Kremlin backed investment fund
• Pact of Russian Direct Investment Fund with State Bank of India

Russia is stressing hard in recent times for more friendly cooperation with India due to

• Ukraine's increasing influence in weapon industry
• Opening up of Russian economy, India becomes the most attractive destination for investment
• U.S.A's pivot to Asia
• Strategic power of India in Indian Ocean and South Asia

Russia is currently heading G20 and SCO, it increases the chances of India's getting membership of SCO