Opinion: From China to America… big messages for the world hidden in Modi-Putin meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and conveyed a message of deep friendship between the two countries. This meeting was important in many ways, especially when the geopolitical equations in the world are changing rapidly. Modi’s visit has revived the nearly 25-year-old tradition under which India and Russia used to meet every year at the level of top leaders. This tradition was broken due to the Covid pandemic and then the Ukraine war in 2022.

The warmth between the two leaders was clearly visible during this meeting. Putin even tried to please Modi ji by speaking his/her thoughts through a Hindi translator. Modi ji also expressed the depth of the relationship between the two countries by calling Russia a ‘partner in happiness and sorrow’.

But behind this friendship, not only emotions but also strategic interests are hidden. India-Russia relations have always been driven by geopolitics. The rise of China in the 1960s and the growing closeness between the US and China in the 1970s supported India and Russia. The two countries formed a strategically strong partnership.

But today the world has changed. Russia and China have come closer to each other. The reason for this is America’s policies, which both countries consider a threat to themselves. In such a situation, the question arises whether Russia is becoming China’s younger brother as some people believe? This is absolutely wrong. Russia has single-handedly challenged NATO in Ukraine. Western countries imposed more than 16,000 economic sanctions on Russia, but Russia stood firm. World Bank figures show that Russia is still the world’s fourth largest economy.

Russia is a strong and self-respecting country. It has no shortage of military power either. It will never bow down to China’s pressure. Russia’s strategy is clear. It wants to keep America under control. It wants to maintain the balance of power in Asia. Along with this, it wants to create a system with the developing countries of the world in which no one country or group dominates. India also wants to strengthen its economic relations with Russia. Russia is a good option to compensate for the decline in trade with China.

But the question is how do America and China view this closeness? Some people say that the Modi government is spoiling its relations with America. They also say that India’s efforts will not have any effect on the relations between Russia and China.

Those who say this need to understand India’s strategic interests. First of all, it must be understood that India’s relations with America are no longer the same as before. Till two decades ago, it was believed that if India wanted to become economically and strategically strong, then it needed America. But now this is not so true.

In recent years, it has become clear that America sees India as a tool that can help it in its fight against China. America is ignoring India’s own compulsions and interests. India’s strategists also fear that if there is ever a war between China and America, India can be dragged into it. This is the reason why India is looking for more options for itself so that it does not take a decision under any pressure. By getting closer to Russia, India wants to give the message that it will not work under anyone’s pressure.

As far as China is concerned, it understands that if the relations between Russia and India are strong, it will bring stability in Asia. This is because if India does not associate itself with America, it will be a matter of relief for China. Russia will not interfere in the border dispute between India and China, but it will definitely want these two friendly countries to live in peace. Russia played the same role during the Ladakh dispute in 2020.

Overall, it can be said that the relations between India and Russia are very important even today. These relations can not only prove helpful in bringing peace and stability in Asia, but can also help in establishing India as a strong power on the world map. Modi’s visit to Russia is an important step in this direction. It is enough to give the message to the world that India has now emerged as an independent and strong country.