Opinion The Russian Question
No matter how warm the gestures are during the meeting next week,the fact is that the relationship is now at a vital crossroad.
While there have been efforts to downplay the recent postponement of India-Russia defence minister-level talks by Moscow,the last minute rescheduling has brought to the surface a problem that has been simmering for a while in this,otherwise strong,military relationship.
The delay coincides with the visit of Pakistan Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani to Moscow,causing some in South Block to conclude that Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov stayed back to meet him.
While Gen Kayanis visit to Moscow may be seen as a poor consolation prize for the cancellation of President Vladimir Putins tour of Pakistan this month,the fact that Islamabad has become a factor in Indias military ties with Russia adds a whole new dimension to New Delhis outlook.
The rumblings started with India looking to broaden its basket of military hardware suppliers and expand its weapons profile. This,coupled with New Delhis increased frustration on delays and price escalation in military contracts with Russia,unsettled old equations in this special relationship.
If India has turned into a more meticulous buyer,the message from Russia seems to be equally clear that it will explore all its options as a seller. And what better way than to start with Pakistan,a country that Russia kept out of its military ambit largely because of Indian sensitivities.
Lets not forget that Moscow is also thinking differently on Af-Pak as a whole. It has shown the inclination to get involved with building any alliance of sorts with India or Iran to counter the Taliban. With narcotics smuggling being its main concern,there are many in Moscow who believe that Islamabad provides the best lever to effectively influence authorities in Kabul.
No matter how warm the gestures are during the meeting next week,the fact is that the relationship is now at a vital crossroad. For India,it is a difficult path to tread as Russia is still a dependable ally and the range of its assistance from sharing knowledge for the indigenous Arihant nuclear missile submarine project,the leasing of the Chakra nuclear attack submarine and first rights on the new fifth generation fighter aircraft cannot be ignored. What remains to be seen is how India deals with this new reality.
Manu is a special correspondent based in Delhi,manu.pubby@expressindia.com
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