India is playing a balancing act between Russia and USA: Putin’s visit
Putin has visited India for the annual India-Russia summit. The S-400 missile defence deal is scheduled to be signed on Friday. India and the New Delhi central government is playing the greatest balancing act between Russia and USA.
On one hand, deals are being made in order to boost defence. This deal will also serve as a testament to a long-term strategic partnership between the two countries. On the other hand, the attempts are being made to neutralize the threat of US sanctions. Growing ties with Washington is one of the major concerns.
The situation is even more sensitive than the Cold War era. India had adopted the policy of non-alignment. But it was clearly on the Russian side. But now, India’s stance is unclear to the world.
Russian leader, Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Thursday. He went straight to dinner with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A large number of agreements are to be signed on Friday. This is normal for India-Russia summits.
All eyes will be on the defence agreements for the S-400 missile defence system, frigates and assault rifles. Last week, US slapped sanctions on China for buying the same S-400s.
Putin’s visit came exactly a month after the 2+2 meetings were held with the USA. It must be acknowledged that India is doing great at playing the balancing act between Russian and USA.
In the meeting, India had made it clear that the S-400s were a necessity for India. Moreover, the country had a long legacy of sourcing defence equipment from Russia. The US side reassured the government that the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAASTA) law would not apply to legacy platforms or spares. But new buys could be impacted.
There is still a lingering air of uncertainty. But for now, India is doing fairly well in playing a balancing act between Russia and USA.
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