Indo-Russian Missile Defense Deal: Re-Calibration of Ties

Abstract

Russia has been India’s all-weather friend and strategic partner for the past 70 years. However, for a decade or so, they are drifting away and are seeking new friends and partners. India has been making new partners in the West and Russia is working closely with China to counter US hegemony. It has been forging warmer, more cooperative relations with Pakistan. In this scenario, the recent missile defense deal can be considered a milestone in bilateral relations between India and Russia, ushering in a new era in relations. Mutual interests and politics led both states to recalibrate their relation so as to not lose old, trusted partners and simultaneously maintain strategic autonomy. This research qualitatively analyzes the structural drivers in the relation of the two states in the background of S-400 missile defense deal concluded in October 2018.

Modi’s New Foreign Policy Behavior: Transformations and Global Responses

“…Interestingly no other South Asian state stands at top ten importers of arms during the same period. Historically, India was purchasing nearly 70% of its total arms from Russia (Khan, 2018) but this dependency gradually decreased during last few years. As per SIPRI arms transfer database report of 2019, the major reason for this downfall was Indian shift in arms import policy.…”