Russia has issued a clear signal to India ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit, expressing its readiness to forge a “no-limits” partnership. This strategic overture, made by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, positions India as a potential partner on par with China, with Moscow signaling its willingness to expand cooperation as far as New Delhi desires. This move places a significant decision before Indian policymakers.
Peskov highlighted that Russia’s cooperation with China has grown beyond traditional bounds, and Moscow adopts a similar forward-looking approach towards India. He emphasized the need to protect the India-Russia relationship from the influence of any third country, acknowledging the external pressures India might be facing. “Our approach with India is the same. As far as India is ready to go, we are prepared to go that far,” he stated.
This strategic initiative by Russia is interpreted by observers as a bid to counterbalance its increasing reliance on China. By offering India an equally deep strategic partnership, Moscow appears to be seeking a more diversified base of international support. This comes at a time when India is actively strengthening its ties with the United States, creating a delicate balancing act for New Delhi.
India’s response to this offer will have considerable geopolitical ramifications. The nation’s long-held policy of strategic autonomy means it must carefully consider how to deepen ties with Russia without compromising its other international relationships or its core foreign policy principles. The ball is now in India’s court to define the extent of its future partnership with Moscow.