Needed: perestroika

Relations between Russia and India are badly in need of repair and hopefully Putin’s visit contributed to this. It is not clear why New Delhi in some areas and Moscow, in others, have allowed some negativism to creep into the process. There can be no justification for New Delhi not even initiating discussions on the military technology secrecy agreement; and there is equally no justification for Moscow not providing for bank guarantees for equipment being procured from Russia while claiming that India does not treat Russia as a market economy. “Comfort letters” may be all right for the time being but if bilateral trade is to be enhanced from its paltry level of just over $2 billion, then smoothening the financial/ banking procedures is necessary.

The “resolve” of both sides to move beyond a buyer-seller relationship in defence equipment to joint ventures is to be welcomed. It remains to be seen how far this actually produces results. The rather excessive focus on the BrahMos missile as a joint venture leaves one to wonder whether that is the limit of perspective on both sides in preference to a broader strategic approach to joint design, development, production and sales. Russia needs a collaborative approach as much as India does. Its huge military-industrial complex has been on life support since the Soviet Union’s collapse. As for India, in its desire to look West, it has paid scant attention to the long-term benefit of joint ventures with Russia.

Considering that some of the irritants have been ironed out on the eve of Putin’s visit, we should look positively at the possibilities of the two traditionally friendly countries taking their bilateral relations to new heights. Both need friendly relations with the United States, on the one side, and China, on the other. There is a clear message from both sides to step up cooperation from space to energy sectors, including through joint investments and joint explorations in energy in each other’s country as well as in a third country. Our economic growth and, in turn, the whole gamut of social human development, would be jeopardised if we cannot ensure greater access to energy at affordable costs. Reforms of multilateral institutions, especially that of the UN, and ensuring multilateralism in international affairs are but some of the issues that would need to be factored into India-Russia ties.