New Delhi and Moscow signed twenty agreements during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India last week. They ranged from nuclear energy and defence to oil and natural gas, investments and mining to health. Russia will help India build 12 nuclear reactors and finalized the deal over the Kudamkulam nuclear project. Besides, it will manufacture sophisticated military helicopters and defence spare parts in India. A target has been set for trade to the tune of $ 30 billion by 2025. Russian diamond companies have been invited to do business directly with Indian processing firms. India is expected to participate in Russian oil and gas fields. Petrochemical projects are in the pipeline to promote bilateral cooperation on energy.
These agreements may be considered in conflict with India’s relations with the US and Europe. Delhi refuses to support sanctions against Russia even though differences between Moscow and the West are widening over Ukraine. It may adversely impact on India’s ties with the US and EU. On the other hand, India has to guard against Moscow cozying up with Beijing and Islamabad. Narendra Modi is doing his best to pursue a policy of equidistance through well-orchestrated diplomacy. Much of the proposed nuclear and defence cooperation with Russia needs to translate into reality. Modi wants Russia to go along with his “Make in India” policy. Unless India makes steady progress in its economy, Russia’s strategic presence in India will be of little moment. However, if Modi can make both China and Japan partners in its economic development, Putin’s visit may not cast a shadow over US President Barack Obama’s visit to India on January 26. Not without reason has Obama called Prime Minister Modi a man of action.
