 | |
 India |
 Russia |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic mission | |
| Embassy of India, Moscow | Embassy of Russia, New Delhi |
| Envoy | |
| Ambassador Pavan Kapoor | Ambassador Denis Alipov |
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$9.4 billion in the year 2017.[4] In order to meet this goal, both countries are looking to develop a free trade agreement.[5][6][7] Bilateral trade between both countries in 2012 grew by over 24%.[7][needs update]
The IRIGC (India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission) is the main body that conducts affairs at the governmental level between both countries.[8] Both countries are members of international bodies including the UN, BRICS, G20 and SCO.[9] Russia has stated that it supports India receiving a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.[10] In addition, Russia has expressed interest in joining SAARC with observer status in which India is a founding member.[11][12]
India is the second largest market for the Russian defence industry. In 2017, approximately 68% of the Indian military's hardware import came from Russia, making Russia the chief supplier of defence equipment.[13][failed verification] India has an embassy in Moscow and two consulates-general (in Saint Petersburg and Vladivostok). Russia has an embassy in New Delhi and six consulate-generals (in Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram).[14]
According to a 2014 BBC World Service Poll, 85% of Russians view India positively, with only 9% expressing a negative view.[15] Similarly, a 2017 opinion poll by the Moscow-based non-governmental think tank Levada-Center states that Russians identified India as one of their top five "friends", with the others being Belarus, China, Kazakhstan and Syria.[16]
- ^ a b Sharma, Rajeev (28 November 2012). "Top Indian diplomat explains Russia's importance to India". Russia Beyond. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ "Bilateral Relations: India-Russia Relations". Embassy of India Moscow. 1 December 2014. Archived from the original on 27 July 2018. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
- ^ "Narendra Modi-Vladimir Putin meet: India, Russia to explore oil and gas; aim for US$ 30 bn trade". The Financial Express. PTI. 12 December 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
- ^ "Russia's exports to India up by 40% in January-April 2018". TASS. 24 June 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- ^ "India asks Russia to fast-track free trade pact proposal". The Economic Times. PTI. 22 June 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ Srivastava, Shruti (17 June 2011). "India, Russia mull free trade agreement". The Indian Express. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
- ^ a b Upadhyay, Dadan (3 April 2013). "India, Russia to negotiate on CECA with Customs Union". Russia Beyond. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ Sharma, Rajeev (26 September 2012). "Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission to meet in mid-October". Russia Beyond. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Russia backs India as possible UN Security Council permanent member". Sputnik News. 16 December 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Russia keen to join SAARC as observer". OneIndia. 22 November 2006. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
- ^ John Pike. "VOA News Report". Retrieved 24 April 2016.
- ^ "Russian Embassy and Consulates in India". EmbassyPages.com. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ 2014 World Service Poll BBC