India–Russia relations
Map indicating locations of India and Russia

India

Russia
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of India, MoscowEmbassy of Russia, New Delhi
Envoy
Ambassador Pavan KapoorAmbassador Denis Alipov
President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, at the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi, 2021.

India–Russia relations (Russian: Российско-индийские отношения; Hindi: भारत-रूस सम्बन्ध) are the bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Russian Federation. During the Cold War, India and the Soviet Union (USSR) had a strong strategic, military, economic and diplomatic relationship. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia inherited its close relationship with India which resulted in both nations sharing a special relationship. Russia and India both term this relationship as a "special and privileged strategic partnership".

The Indo-Russian strategic partnership has been built on five major components: politics, defence, civil nuclear energy, anti-terrorism co-operation and space.[1] These five major components were highlighted in a speech given by former Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai in Russia.[1] However, in recent years a sixth, economic component has grown in importance, with both countries setting a target of reaching US$30 billion in bilateral trade by 2025,[2][3] from about US$9.4 billion in the year 2017.[4] In order to meet this goal, both countries are looking to develop a free trade agreement.[5][6][7] Bilateral trade between both countries in 2012 grew by over 24%.[7][needs update]

The IRIGC (India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission) is the main body that conducts affairs at the governmental level between both countries.[8] Both countries are members of international bodies including the UN, BRICS, G20 and SCO.[9] Russia has stated that it supports India receiving a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.[10] In addition, Russia has expressed interest in joining SAARC with observer status in which India is a founding member.[11][12]

India is the second largest market for the Russian defence industry. In 2017, approximately 68% of the Indian military's hardware import came from Russia, making Russia the chief supplier of defence equipment.[13][failed verification] India has an embassy in Moscow and two consulates-general (in Saint Petersburg and Vladivostok). Russia has an embassy in New Delhi and six consulate-generals (in Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram).[14]

According to a 2014 BBC World Service Poll, 85% of Russians view India positively, with only 9% expressing a negative view.[15] Similarly, a 2017 opinion poll by the Moscow-based non-governmental think tank Levada-Center states that Russians identified India as one of their top five "friends", with the others being Belarus, China, Kazakhstan and Syria.[16]

  1. ^ a b Sharma, Rajeev (28 November 2012). "Top Indian diplomat explains Russia's importance to India". Russia Beyond. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  2. ^ "Bilateral Relations: India-Russia Relations". Embassy of India Moscow. 1 December 2014. Archived from the original on 27 July 2018. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  3. ^ "Narendra Modi-Vladimir Putin meet: India, Russia to explore oil and gas; aim for US$ 30 bn trade". The Financial Express. PTI. 12 December 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  4. ^ "Russia's exports to India up by 40% in January-April 2018". TASS. 24 June 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  5. ^ "India asks Russia to fast-track free trade pact proposal". The Economic Times. PTI. 22 June 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  6. ^ Srivastava, Shruti (17 June 2011). "India, Russia mull free trade agreement". The Indian Express. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  7. ^ a b Upadhyay, Dadan (3 April 2013). "India, Russia to negotiate on CECA with Customs Union". Russia Beyond. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  8. ^ Sharma, Rajeev (26 September 2012). "Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission to meet in mid-October". Russia Beyond. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  9. ^ Kashani, Sarwar (9 June 2010). "India has right to join SCO, not Pakistan: Russian envoy". NewKerala. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  10. ^ "Russia backs India as possible UN Security Council permanent member". Sputnik News. 16 December 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  11. ^ Muni, Sukh Deo; Jetly, Rajshree (2008). "SAARC: The Changing Dimensions" (PDF). UNU-CRIS Working Papers. United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 February 2016.
  12. ^ "Russia keen to join SAARC as observer". OneIndia. 22 November 2006. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  13. ^ John Pike. "VOA News Report". Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  14. ^ "Russian Embassy and Consulates in India". EmbassyPages.com. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  15. ^ 2014 World Service Poll BBC