ET View: Pursuing an independent path
The India-Russia annual bilateral summit has sent out a clear message that India will pursue an independent policy when it comes to building partnerships and alliances. New Delhi made it clear that it will not be cowed by sanctions in protecting its interests and that it must treated as an equal in any partnership.
In finalising the deal for Russian S-400 Triumf advanced air defence system, India reiterated that it would maintain its strategic autonomy. This deal has been a bone of contention between India and the United States, and could attract US sanctions against India under the August 2017, Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Though US Defence Secretary James Mattis made it clear that the US government accepts India’s position on deals with Russia, there is still no clarity whether the US will proceed with sanctions against India. This defence deal with Russia is not just about asserting New Delhi’s independent foreign policy. It also signals to China, which has a deal with Russia for the same defence system, that Beijing’s growing close relations with Moscow will not impede long standing India-Russia ties.
The summit’s importance lies not just in the bolstering of a long-standing bilateral relations but in that it is a clear indication that India is committed to pursuing an independent strategic and foreign policy. It is also a reflection of India’s growing importance as a key player on the global stage.
In finalising the deal for Russian S-400 Triumf advanced air defence system, India reiterated that it would maintain its strategic autonomy. This deal has been a bone of contention between India and the United States, and could attract US sanctions against India under the August 2017, Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Though US Defence Secretary James Mattis made it clear that the US government accepts India’s position on deals with Russia, there is still no clarity whether the US will proceed with sanctions against India. This defence deal with Russia is not just about asserting New Delhi’s independent foreign policy. It also signals to China, which has a deal with Russia for the same defence system, that Beijing’s growing close relations with Moscow will not impede long standing India-Russia ties.
The summit’s importance lies not just in the bolstering of a long-standing bilateral relations but in that it is a clear indication that India is committed to pursuing an independent strategic and foreign policy. It is also a reflection of India’s growing importance as a key player on the global stage.