Russian President's visit to India proves sovereignty of Indian foreign policy

New Delhi – Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India next Monday. The two countries will also hold ‘two-plus-two’ talks. This is expected to send a message that while India is expanding its cooperation with the United States, it is unwilling to compromise its relationship with Russia. Pakistan’s journalists known for their anti-India stand are forced to admire India’s strategic, sovereign, and balanced foreign policy of maintaining good relations with the United States and Russia. However, Pakistani journalists regret Pakistan being completely ignored as the Russian President did not consider visiting their country.

President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to India on December 6th and during his one-day visit, essential discussions and cooperation are expected between the two countries. The Foreign and the Defence Ministers of India and Russia will engage in a ‘Two Plus Two’ discussion. Earlier, India had initiated a series of ‘two plus two’ talks with the United States, Japan, and Australia. However, India did not begin its ‘Two Plus Two’ meetings with Russia, considering Russia its traditional ally. Hence the presence of President Putin for the first ‘Two Plus Two’ with Russia is hugely significant.

Russia had confirmed that the S-400 Triumph air defence system would be delivered to India soon. India will also be purchasing Russian AK-203 rifles worth $680 million, approved by the Union Cabinet’s Defence Acquisition Council last month. The production of these rifles will start in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, delivering about 750 thousand AK-203 rifles to the Indian Army. The first 70,000 rifles will be manufactured with parts made in Russia; subsequently, the balance rifles will be made in India.

Russia has decided to transfer technology to India for these rifles, reflecting India and Russia’s cooperation. A few months ago, Russia objected to India’s participation in the QUAD and expressed its displeasure over India’s military cooperation with the United States. But India seems to have reassured Russia through its actions.

After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, Russian President Putin had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Modi. It was reported that the two countries had formed a panel to monitor the situation in Afghanistan. In September, Russia’s security adviser Nikolai Patrushev had visited India to discuss Afghanistan with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. A few weeks back, Russia also had participated in the discussion on Afghanistan, hosted by India. Active participation from Russia suggests that the talks were successful.

Pakistan has noted this and Pakistani journalists and analysts have consistently criticized India and have praised Indian foreign policy. Pakistan needs to adapt and change its unilateral foreign policy of aligning with the country and disengaging with others. India has good relations with both the United States and Russia simultaneously. Not only that, but Pakistani analysts are pointing out that India has also established cooperation with both Iran and Israel.