Russian President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people lost their lives. Putin expressed deep sorrow for the loss of innocent lives and assured India of Russia’s full support in the fight against terrorism, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Meanwhile, India has started work to increase the storage capacity of two hydroelectric power projects in Kashmir — Salal and Baglihar. This kind of work is being done for the first time since the projects were built in 1987 and 2008/09. India did not inform Pakistan about this, as the Indus Waters Treaty does not allow such maintenance easily. The work began last Thursday and is being done by NHPC Ltd, India’s largest hydropower company, with help from local officials.
Also on Monday, PM Modi met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to discuss the latest security developments. Before this, he also held meetings with the Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, on Sunday, and the Navy Chief, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, on Saturday. India has stood by Russia during several key moments. Here are some notable instances when India supported Russia during difficult times.
Post-Soviet Union Collapse (1991 onwards)
Support During Economic Crisis: Russia faced a severe economic and political crisis after the collapse of the USSR in 1991. India continued to maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties with the Russian Federation, recognizing it as the successor state and continuing bilateral cooperation.
Debt Settlement on Favorable Terms: India owed around $16 billion to the Soviet Union. After its dissolution, India worked with Russia to settle this debt on favorable terms, converting much of it into investments and rupee payments.
Chechen Wars (1990s–2000s)
Diplomatic Support: During Russia’s conflict with separatists in Chechnya, India supported Russia’s territorial integrity and refrained from criticizing its internal actions, even when the West condemned Russia for human rights violations.
NATO Expansion and U.S. Pressure (2000s–2010s)
While India was improving ties with the U.S. and the West, it consistently maintained its strong defense and strategic partnership with Russia. It never joined Western sanctions or criticism against Russia during times of political strain, such as the NATO expansion or Russia’s assertive foreign policy under Vladimir Putin.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2014 Crimea Crisis and Beyond)
Neutral/Diplomatic Stance: After Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, India did not condemn Russia, unlike many Western nations. India called for dialogue and respected Russia’s “legitimate interests” in the region, a stance seen as tacit support.
Continued Trade and Defense Ties: India continued to purchase military hardware and engage in high-level diplomatic visits despite growing Western sanctions on Russia.
Russia-Ukraine War (2022–present)
Neutrality and Balanced Diplomacy: India abstained from voting on UN resolutions condemning Russia and emphasized dialogue and diplomacy. While calling for respect for sovereignty, India avoided direct criticism of Russia.
Economic Engagement: India significantly increased imports of Russian oil, helping Russia economically during Western sanctions and price caps. India also continued defense cooperation without succumbing to Western pressure to cut ties.
Support in Multilateral Forums
BRICS and SCO: India has consistently supported Russia’s active role in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ensuring Russia is not isolated on the global stage.
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