India’s Russia Advantage

​India has long been a key player in international relations, serving as an interlocutor between various nations around the globe. In recent years, India has increasingly taken on this role in relations between Russia and the United States, positioning itself as a bridge between the two powers.

The history of India's relationship with Russia and the United States is complex and multifaceted, with both nations playing a significant role in India's development and evolution as a nation. India and Russia have a long history of cooperation, with Russia providing support to India during its struggle for independence from Britain and later becoming one of India's primary arms suppliers.

The relationship between Russia and India has a long and colourful history that dates back to the 17th century. Despite being located on opposite sides of the globe, the two countries have had a significant impact on each other's culture, politics, and economic development.

In the early 17th century, Russia began to expand its territory eastward, eventually coming into contact with the regions of Central Asia and India. At the time, India was under the control of the Mughal Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in the world.

The first recorded contact between Russia and India took place in 1619, when a Russian embassy was sent to the Mughal court in order to establish diplomatic relations. This embassy was led by Vasiliy Starkov, a Russian diplomat who was tasked with negotiating a trade agreement between the two countries.

During this period, Russia was primarily interested in obtaining access to the lucrative trade routes that ran through India. The Mughal Empire, on the other hand, was interested in obtaining Russian fur, which was in high demand throughout the world.

As a result of these negotiations, a treaty was signed in 1624 that established official trade relations between Russia and India. This treaty allowed Russian merchants to trade with the Mughal Empire and granted them certain privileges, such as the right to build warehouses and maintain their own factories in Indian ports.

In the following years, the relationship between Russia and India continued to grow and expand. In the late 17th century, Russian merchants began to establish trading posts along the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, which allowed them to trade more easily with India and other parts of Asia.

During this time, India also began to play a more significant role in Russian politics and culture. In the early 18th century, Russian tsar Peter the Great visited India and was deeply impressed by the country's rich history and culture. As a result, he began to adopt many Indian customs and traditions, and even adopted the title of "Emperor of All India."

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the relationship between Russia and India continued to evolve. In the 19th century, Russia and Britain became major rivals in Central Asia, and this tension often spilled over into India. However, despite these tensions, the two countries were able to maintain a cordial relationship and continued to trade with each other.

In the 20th century, the relationship between Russia and India underwent significant changes as a result of the Cold War. During this time, India aligned itself more closely with the Soviet Union, while the United States became a major ally of India's rival, Pakistan.

Despite these political tensions, Russia and India were able to maintain a strong economic relationship. In 1971, the two countries signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation, which helped to strengthen their ties and pave the way for further economic collaboration.

In the post-Cold War era, the relationship between Russia and India has continued to grow and evolve. In the 21st century, the two countries have worked together to address a range of global challenges, including terrorism, climate change, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

In recent years, Russia and India have also increased their economic cooperation, with Russia becoming one of India's top trading partners. In addition, the two countries have also worked together on a number of major infrastructure projects, including the construction of hydroelectric power plants and the expansion of India's rail network.

Overall, the relationship between Russia and India has been marked by a mix of cooperation and competition. Despite their differences, the two countries have been able to maintain a strong and lasting partnership, and it is likely that this relationship will help bridge many gaps best the West and Russia.