Sameer Saran’s Bold Response on India’s Longstanding Ties with Russia | Rational Thinker

Summary

The video explores India’s evolving relationship with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. India’s historical ties with Russia are acknowledged, but the country is increasingly moving away from Russia due to strategic and economic factors. While publicly critical of Russia's actions, India continues to engage in pragmatic relationships, such as energy purchases and defense partnerships. The speaker underscores that India’s position is driven by national interest rather than ideological alignment, highlighting the country's need for energy security and defense diversification, and contrasts its approach with the West’s stance on Russia.

Takeaways

• 😀 India's historical relationship with Russia is evolving, with both nations working hard to reignite their partnership before the Ukraine conflict.
• 😀 Despite military cooperation, India has struggled to find broader avenues for significant engagement with Russia, with energy being a marginal factor.
• 😀 India's abstention from voting on the UN condemnation of Russia reflects a balance between respecting historical ties and the current situation.
• 😀 While India has been critical of Russia's actions, it continues to maintain energy transactions with Russia, but these are relatively small compared to Europe's imports.
• 😀 India’s stance is shaped by a mix of historical obligations, current geopolitical realities, and the immediate need to secure energy resources at favorable prices.
• 😀 The Indian government emphasizes a pragmatic approach in its energy purchases, stressing that these are motivated by national needs rather than political alliances.
• 😀 The diversification of India's defense sources is accelerating, with India shifting towards European and American defense platforms for its Air Force and Navy, while maintaining reliance on Russia for some army equipment due to the active border situation with China and Pakistan.
• 😀 The global defense industry, including India's military planners, will reassess the effectiveness of Russian equipment after witnessing both the failures and successes of similar weaponry in conflicts like Azerbaijan and Ukraine.
• 😀 India's relationship with Russia will continue to evolve based on economic size and global security needs, with a focus on international defense equipment and strategic alliances beyond Russia.
• 😀 India's long-standing ruble-rupee trade relationship with Russia predates the Ukraine conflict and was merely activated in response to sanctions affecting India's financial systems, such as the removal from SWIFT.

Q & A

What is the historical context of India's relationship with Russia?

India's relationship with Russia has been historically significant, especially during the Cold War era when Russia (then the USSR) supported India diplomatically and militarily. The military partnership, particularly in defense, has included key technologies such as nuclear submarines, S400s, and hypersonic missiles, making Russia a critical partner for India in terms of security.

How has India's relationship with Russia evolved in recent years?

Over the past decade, India's relationship with Russia has been changing. While defense ties remain, other areas such as energy and economic partnerships have diminished in importance. Russia's inability to grow as an economy and its limited role in global politics have led India to seek more diversified international relations.

What was India's stance on the Ukraine conflict at the UN?

India abstained from voting on the UN resolution condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine. While India has condemned Russia's aggression in statements, it chose not to vote against Russia at the UN, citing historical ties and a diplomatic desire to maintain a neutral position in this conflict.

Why did India abstain from voting on the UN resolution condemning Russia?

India's decision to abstain from voting reflects a combination of historical ties with Russia and a diplomatic approach that seeks to maintain neutrality. Despite condemning Russia's actions in statements, the absence of a parliamentary debate on the issue suggests a broad consensus to respect the historical partnership with Russia.

What is India's current stance on Russia's military actions in Ukraine?

India has been critical of Russia's actions in Ukraine. India’s foreign minister has condemned Russia's violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity within the BRICS framework. Despite this, India has continued to engage with Russia, particularly in defense and energy matters, while still maintaining its neutrality.

How does India view its energy relationship with Russia?

India's energy purchases from Russia are described as marginal compared to Europe's large energy imports from Russia. India has emphasized that it is purchasing energy from Russia out of necessity and at favorable prices, not as part of a long-term strategic alliance with Russia.

What challenges does India face in diversifying its military defense suppliers?

India's diversification of military suppliers, particularly away from Russia, is a gradual process. While the air force and navy have moved toward European and American defense systems, the army has been slower to change due to the immediate security needs of the country, especially with active borders with China and Pakistan.

How does India compare its energy trade with Russia to that of Europe?

India's energy trade with Russia is much smaller than Europe’s. The speaker emphasizes that Europe has paid far more for Russian fossil fuels, with Europe’s energy transactions with Russia reaching 53 billion euros, while India’s energy purchases remain negligible in comparison.

What justification does India give for continuing its trade with Russia despite global pressure?

India justifies its continued trade with Russia, particularly in energy, by emphasizing the need to look after its own national interests. India argues that energy security is crucial, and while global powers may criticize it, India must prioritize the needs of its people without compromising on its principles.

What impact does the Ukraine conflict have on India’s future defense and energy relationships?

The Ukraine conflict has accelerated India’s shift away from Russian military and energy supplies. As India’s economy grows, its defense needs are diversifying, with the air force and navy already turning to Western platforms. Similarly, while energy purchases from Russia remain, they are expected to remain small in comparison to India’s broader energy needs, which will continue to be met by multiple suppliers.