Opinion
It was undoubtedly, a brave move! Although the entire West was against it, Prime Minister Modi visited Russia and more importantly, from Russia’s perspective, did not utter a single remark about the Russian invasion of Ukraine except the usual diplomatic rabble on the need for peace, etc.
The Indian media went gaga over the event, highlighting the reception that Modi got from Putin and how it surpassed in every way, the welcome which Chinese President Xi Jinping got from Russia earlier. In other words, sections of the Indian media believe that Russia now places greater emphasis on friendship with India than China. Nothing could be further from the truth!
If it comes to a question of choosing over India or China, Russia will undoubtedly stand with China! Putin is on excellent terms with China and there is no condescension in the relationship between those two nations. India is heavily dependent on Russia for arms and ammunition. This is the reason why India cannot afford to antagonize the Russians. Besides, India did benefit from cheaper Russian oil for which it was allowed to pay in Rupees which was quite an inconvenience to the Russians.
In 1962, Nehru thought China would not go for a full-scale attack because the then super-powers America or USSR would not permit it. He was proven wrong! Today, the average Indian thinks the same that barring the odd Galwan skirmish, China will not go for an all-out attack against India. What if they do?
It is precisely for this reason that India needs Russia! Putin is the one person who can prevent the military designs of China on India and if friendship with Putin has to be at the expense of the West, so be it. But let there be no mistake about it. We need Russia more than they need us and the Sino-Russian ties are far thicker than Indo-Russia.
Sridhar Adivi
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