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Shashi Tharoor on India-Russia Ties: Why an "Old, Serious, Strong" Bond Endures

Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor highlighted the enduring importance of India's relationship with Russia. He described it as an "old, serious, strong" bond that is crucial for maintaining India's strategic autonomy on the global stage. The summit is expected to focus on elevating bilateral ties, with key discussions on defence deals like the S-400 system and potential nuclear cooperation. Both nations aim to strengthen their partnership through technology sharing and joint projects across various sectors.

Key Points: Shashi Tharoor Stresses Importance of India Russia Ties Before Putin Visit

  • Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasizes preserving India's strategic autonomy with major powers
  • Putin aims to elevate ties with India through tech-focused joint projects
  • Defence deals like S-400 missiles and Su-57 fighters are high on the summit agenda
  • Kremlin also highlights potential nuclear energy agreements during the two-day visit
3 min read

'Old. Serious. Strong': Shashi Tharoor on India-Russia ties ahead of Putin's visit

Ahead of Putin's India visit, Shashi Tharoor calls the Russia relationship "old, serious, strong" and vital for India's strategic autonomy in global diplomacy.

"Russia is an old relationship, it is a serious relationship, strong relationship. - Shashi Tharoor"

New Delhi, December 3

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday stressed upon the importance of India's relationship with Russia, ahead of the much-anticipated visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking to media outside the Parliament on the Putin's upcoming visit, Tharoor said, "It is a very important visit. It's an extremely important relationship. We talk for a long time about strategic autonomy; we have to preserve our negotiating space with America, China, Russia."

Stating that India has independent ties with other countries, he added, "We cannot mortgage our autonomy to any other country's interest. We have to have independent relationships with all countries. Russia is an old relationship, it is a serious relationship, strong relationship."

President Putin will be visiting India from December 4-5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at an investment forum in Moscow on Tuesday, Putin said that the objective of the numerous joint projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture, and other sectors is to elevate the ties with Beijing and New Delhi.

"We aim to elevate cooperation with the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India to a qualitatively new level by strengthening its technological component. This is the objective of numerous joint projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture, and other sectors," he said.

Earlier, Kremlin Spokesperson Dimitry Peskov said that the sale of additional S-400 long-range anti-aircraft missiles could be on the agenda during the visit.

"Highly on the agenda, and this could be discussed. Our military industry is working pretty well. Russian arms 36 % in Indian armed forces and hopefully will continue," Peskov said.

Russia also hopes to discuss the possibility of India acquiring the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter.

"SU-57 is the best plane in the world. SU57 will be on the agenda," said Peskov.

"As far as our cooperation in the defence industry goes, let's remember the famous Brahmos missiles. It's not only just production or it's not only acts of buying or selling, it's also the exchange of high technologies, and it really paves the way for a bright future in this field of cooperation. We're developing quite, quite a variety of very complicated systems. And in this sense, of course, we have capabilities. We are ready to share this with our Indian friends, our experience," he added.

Kremlin Spokesperson Peskov also said that there was the possibility of an agreement on Nuclear energy between India and Russia during the President's visit.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the historical importance, we must also be pragmatic. Russia's growing closeness to China is a concern. We need to ensure our "old friend" doesn't compromise our interests when dealing with Beijing. Diversifying our defense partners is still wise.
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Vikram M
Good to see bipartisan support on this. Whether it's Congress or BJP, the nation's interest comes first. The SU-57 and nuclear energy talks are exciting. Hope we get good technology transfer, not just ready-made products. "Make in India" should apply here too!
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Priya S
Russia has stood by us in difficult times, especially at the UN. We shouldn't forget that. But as a citizen, my main hope is that these high-level talks also translate into something for the common man—maybe cheaper fuel or more jobs from joint projects? 🤞
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Rohit P
Brahmos is a shining example of what this partnership can achieve. More co-development, less outright purchase. That's the way forward. Hope the talks focus on that model for the SU-57 as well.
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Michael C
Tharoor makes a valid point about autonomy, but I respectfully disagree on calling it an unambiguously "strong" relationship currently. The Ukraine war has strained it. We're walking a diplomatic tightrope, and that's a sign of underlying tension, not pure strength. The visit is necessary to manage that.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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