India and Russia seem keen on renewing ties in a changed world.

General Studies Paper – 2

Context:

• Jaishankar’s five-day Russia visit, unusual for its duration and Putin’s unprecedented meeting, addresses concerns in India-Russia relations.
• Agreements indicate positive momentum, highlighting geopolitical convergence amid global shifts.

Significance of Jaishankar’s Russia Visit

• Unusual Duration:The five-day visit by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Russia signifies the special effort made by India and Russia for successful and productive meetings.
• Unprecedented Putin Meeting:Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting a lower-ranking foreign official is unusual, emphasizing the significance of the visit.
• Concerns over India-Russia Relations:Speculation arose due to Prime Minister Modi’s absence from the annual leadership summit, raising concerns about the health of India-Russia relations post the Ukraine war.

Mission Objectives and Achievements

• Addressing Perceptions:A major part of Jaishankar’s mission was to address concerns and perceptions of differences between India and Russia.
• Resultant Agreements:Agreements on nuclear power projects, connectivity, trade, and talks for the Eurasian Economic Union-India free trade agreement indicate positive momentum.

Multilateral Cooperation and Geopolitical Significance

• Continued Multilateral Cooperation:Plans for the expanded BRICS summit, coordination at the UN and SCO, and affirmation of annual leadership summit in 2024 highlight continued multilateral cooperation.
• Strategic Convergence:Jaishankar’s statement on India-Russia relationship as the ‘only constant in world politics’ underscores geopolitical and strategic convergence amid global rebalancing.

Geopolitical Implications

• Global Perception:Jaishankar’s words on geopolitical convergence in a multipolar world gain attention, impacting global perceptions, especially in Washington and Beijing.
• Observations on India-U.S. Relations:Notable in the context of India-U.S. relations, marked by friction over the Pannun investigation and Biden’s refusal of India’s Republic Day invitation.

Key Concerns and Future Prospects

• Pending Issues:Attention remains on unresolved matters like the rupee-rouble payment mechanism and the delayed delivery of S-400 air system
• Overall Import:Jaishankar’s visit highlights the efforts to eliminate static in the relationship, emphasizing the enduring strength of ties amid global geopolitical shifts.

Conclusion

• Foreign Ministers’ extensive Russia visit signifies a deliberate effort to strengthen ties amid global uncertainties.
• The agreements and affirmations underscore enduring India-Russia relations, crucial in navigating geopolitical complexities.