India-Russia Relations 2025: A Strong Strategic Partnership Shaping Global Stability

The relations between India, the country with the largest population in the world and the fourth largest economy in the world, the largest democracy in the world, and Russia, the country with the second largest military capability in the world, have been trustworthy and multilateral since the time of India's independence.

 Today, India and Russia are each other's strategic partners in every field. Whether it is the defense sector or the energy sector, today in the changing global scenario, the friendship of the two is well known. Both the countries have always been allies of each other. Even during the Cold War, both the countries were allies of each other. In this article, we will know how the relations between the two countries were and are. And how will the relations between the two countries be in the future, know in detail.

Historical background

Relations between India and Russia (former Soviet Union) have always been strong. But in 1950, deep political and economic relations between the two countries began. Both countries supported each other on almost every issue. In 1971, when the war between India and Pakistan was going on, Russia supported India and even sent its fleet to help India. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, India and Russia maintained their relations which shows a strong cooperation between the two countries. That how important both countries are for each other.

Strategic Partnership

 Both India and Russia consider each other as strategic partners. In 2000, both countries signed a “Strategic Partnership”. Which was changed to a special and privileged strategic partnership in 2010. Russia has supported India on almost every issue. Russia has even vetoed India's support in the United Nations several times. Apart from this, the armies of both countries conduct regular military exercises together from time to time.

Defence Cooperation

 Russia has always been India's biggest defence supplier. India has bought S-400 missile system, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, T-90 tanks and submarines from Russia. And even the two countries have jointly developed the BrahMos supersonic missile. Which is a strategic and strategic system in war. However, apart from Russia, India is also buying defence equipment from Israel, France, Germany and America. Despite all this, Russia is the biggest defence supplier.

Energy and Space Cooperation

 Russia has always been cooperating with India in the energy and space sector. Today India buys most of its oil from Russia. Russia has also cooperated in the field of nuclear energy. Kudankulam nuclear power plant has been established with the help of Russia. There has been a lot of cooperation between the two in the space sector as well, such as the Gaganyaan Mission.There has been cooperation between the two countries in space as well, especially in the Gaganyaan Mission.

Trade and Investment

Trade between India and Russia has always been good. Despite Russia having a small population, the trade between the two countries is around $40 billion. And both of your countries have set a target to increase this trade to $50 billion.

Both countries are cooperating in energy, pharma, diamonds, agriculture and IT. In these sectors, Russia and India are investing huge amounts in each other. Which is much more than other countries.

Global and multilateral cooperation

Today both India and Russia cooperate with each other on the international platform. India and Russia are strong allies of each other in BRICS, SCO, G20 and United Nations. Both India and Russia are in favor of multipolar world order and global stability. That no single country should have the leadership of the world

 Impact of Ukraine War

The war between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for more than two years. India has taken a balanced stand on the issue of Russia-Ukraine war. India has always appealed to both Russia and Ukraine for peace. India is buying oil from Russia at cheap rates, which ensures good energy security. Despite the pressure from America and Western countries, India's relations with Ukraine remain strong even today.

Challenges and possibilities

Challenges

There are many challenges in the relations between India and Russia. Today Russia's alliance with China is increasing. Which is harmful for India. Because China has always been anti-India. Due to the ban imposed by Western countries on his visit to Russia, it can have a negative impact on India.

Possibilities

There can be many possibilities due to good relations between India and Russia. Starting new projects in the defense and energy sector can give a new impetus to both the countries. Digital and cyber security cooperation can bring each other to a higher level in the world. Apart from this, good relations between both the countries can increase investment opportunities in both the countries.

Conclusion

 The relationship between India and Russia has stood the test of time, evolving into a deep-rooted strategic partnership based on mutual trust, cooperation, and shared global interests. From defense and energy to trade and space exploration, both countries have continuously strengthened their ties while adapting to the changing geopolitical landscape.

 Despite challenges such as Russia’s growing ties with China and the impact of Western sanctions, the potential for collaboration remains immense. As the world moves towards a multipolar order, India and Russia’s cooperation in areas like defence, energy, cyber security, and global governance will continue to play a crucial role.

 Going forward, the India-Russia partnership is expected to grow stronger, contributing not only to the prosperity of both nations but also to global stability and peace.