India buys weapons from Russia, and relations between the two countries are close anyway. Now Russia needs help to circumvent sanctions and finance the war, but India can hardly resort to it, writes financial journalist Elli-Alina Hiilamo in her analysis.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin has not traveled more during the pandemic. He has reportedly made only three trips abroad. One of them to India.
When Putin met with the prime minister in December Narenda Modin In New Delhi, the visit received special emphasis because of this. It said relations between the two states are very warm. They are warm, especially on the army: much of India’s armaments come from Russia.
India and Russia – or the then Soviet Union – have also held sides in many twists and turns in history. This was the case, for example, in 1971, when India reportedly received (moving to another service)significant military and financial support from the Soviet Union in its war against Pakistan.
Probably because of the events of history, many Indians have expressed support (switch to another service)Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. India, as a state, has also not condemned Russia’s hostilities. When the matter was voted on by the UN General Assembly, India did not express its position.
Therefore now two questions arise: Can Russia get crucial help from its old partner? Is India helping Russia circumvent sanctions and fund its warfare?
Working as an advisor at the Bank of Finland’s Research Institute for Economies in Transition Risto Herrala does not consider it likely that India will start directly supporting Russia. It simply has too much to lose.
In recent years, India has brought its relations closer to the West, especially to the United States. The second most populous country in the world needs the West not only economically but also in terms of security policy, as the Asian superpower to China is cool.
India does not want to compromise its ties with the West, according to Herrala.
In general, India is moving in a different direction than Western countries in terms of Russian energy.
Like China India is in an awkward position in its relations with Russia.
On the other hand, it wants to hold on to its long-term partner, enjoy cheap oil, and protect its relationship with its main arms dealer. On the other hand, India does not want to ruin its gaps in the United States and have to pay a heavy price for it. The United States is a much more important trading partner for India than Russia.
So India is balancing, but it is hardly ready to become a decisive supporter of Russia – at least for now.
This is ‘s daily analysis of the current theme of the Russian invasion. You can discuss the topic until 11 p.m., Sunday night.
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