India–Russia Relations

India and Russia share one of the most enduring and time-tested relationships in global diplomacy, built on mutual trust, strategic cooperation and historical goodwill. The roots of this partnership go back to the early decades of independent India, when the Soviet Union emerged as a reliable supporter in areas of defence, industrialisation and technology. The 1971 Indo–Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation became the turning point that firmly established their strategic alignment. After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, Russia continued this legacy, and in 2010 the relationship was elevated to the status of a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” reflecting its long-term strategic character.

Defence cooperation remains the strongest pillar of India–Russia relations. Russia continues to be India’s largest defence supplier, providing advanced systems such as the S-400 air defence system, Su-30MKI aircraft, T-90 tanks and various missile technologies. Joint projects like the BrahMos missile and AK-203 rifle production demonstrate deep technological collaboration. The two sides regularly conduct joint military exercises, signalling continued security cooperation despite global geopolitical shifts.

Energy is another crucial area of engagement. After 2022, Russia became India’s largest crude oil supplier, offering discounted oil that strengthened India’s energy security. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant stands as the flagship example of India–Russia nuclear cooperation, while long-term plans include expanding work in oil, gas, coal and nuclear fuel supply. This energy partnership has gained strategic significance as India seeks diversified and stable energy sources.

Economic cooperation between the two countries has also strengthened. Bilateral trade has crossed USD 65 billion, driven by sectors such as energy, defence, agriculture, metals, diamonds and pharmaceuticals. Both nations aim to achieve USD 100 billion in trade by 2030. The proposed Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor is expected to enhance connectivity and reduce transport time between the Far East region of Russia and India to nearly 12 days, giving a major boost to economic ties.

Space collaboration has been a symbol of trust between the two nations since the 1980s, when Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian astronaut to travel to space with the Soviet Union. Today, India and Russia continue to explore cooperation in satellite systems, materials research and possible technological support for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.

On the geopolitical front, India and Russia share similar views on promoting a multipolar world order. Both countries coordinate closely in multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the G20. Although the Ukraine conflict led to global alignments shifting, India has maintained a balanced and independent foreign policy, engaging with Russia while safeguarding its own strategic and economic interests.

Cultural relations and people-to-people exchanges also form an important foundation of the partnership. Indian cinema, yoga and Ayurveda enjoy immense popularity in Russia, while thousands of Indian students, especially in medical universities, form a growing educational bridge between the two societies.

Despite emerging challenges, including Russia’s deepening ties with China and the impact of Western sanctions, India and Russia continue to adapt their partnership to new realities. The relationship remains grounded in strategic autonomy, long-term trust and shared global interests, ensuring that India–Russia ties will continue to play an important role in shaping regional and global geopolitics in the years ahead.