New Delhi: India and Russia share a friendship that stretches again a long time, a bond typically highlighted all over the world. From Bollywood movies to protection collaborations, the connection exhibits up in lots of locations. Since India’s independence, Russia has stood by India throughout its hardest occasions. When america or Nice Britain opposed New Delhi, Moscow was a steadfast ally.
In 1966, the Tashkent Settlement introduced peace after battle. Russia supported India by the wars of 1971 and 1999, standing shoulder to shoulder with the nation. On August 9, 1971, India and the Soviet Union signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation. This pact was legitimate for 20 years and laid the inspiration for nearer ties.
In April 2025, a terrorist assault in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir at Baisaran meadow close to Pahalgam claimed 26 lives. India launched Operation Sindoor in opposition to Pakistan-backed terrorists in response. Pakistan escalated assist for militants however confronted heavy losses.
India’s use of highly effective BrahMos cruise missiles in opposition to Pakistan was made attainable by Russian collaboration. Indian defenses destroyed missiles fired by Pakistan earlier than they might enter Indian airspace, because of the S-400 missile protection system purchased from Russia.
Russia has just lately provided India joint manufacturing of the fifth-generation stealth fighter Su-57E with full expertise switch, a deal that might strengthen the Indian Air Drive.
Through the 1971 conflict between India and Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, america and Britain despatched warships to the Bay of Bengal to assist Pakistan. When Russia discovered of this, it deployed its naval ships to the identical space, successfully blocking American and British forces. This sturdy stance compelled these international locations to retreat. The conflict ended with Pakistan’s give up of 93,000 troopers to India, marking a pivotal second in South Asian historical past.
Within the Seventies, Western international locations imposed sanctions on India’s nuclear vitality programme. Russia stepped in to assist India, offering essential expertise and gasoline for nuclear reactors. The Kudankulam Nuclear Energy Plant stands for example of this cooperation.
Russia additionally signed a number of agreements with India for the peaceable use of nuclear vitality, together with constructing extra reactors and supplying low-enriched uranium gasoline.
Within the 1962 conflict with China, Moscow supported New Delhi by supplying weapons and army gear. Although it didn’t intervene immediately, it halted arms gross sales to China and eased strain on India. After the battle, Russia performed a key position in mediating the Tashkent Settlement, serving to restore diplomatic ties between India and China.
Russia’s assist additionally extends to area. India’s first satellite tv for pc, Aryabhata, was developed with Soviet help and launched in 1975. The satellite tv for pc’s title honours the well-known Indian astronomer Aryabhata.
Russia’s cultural affect touches Indian cinema. The enduring music from Raj Kapoor’s movie Awaara mentions a “purple cap from Russia”. Referred to as the budyonovka, this image represents the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced this historic “purple cap friendship” throughout his 2024 go to to Russia. The cap symbolises a revolution that modified the course of Russian and world historical past.
India and Russia have shared many challenges and triumphs. Their partnership has endured wars, sanctions and shifting world dynamics. Right now, that bond continues to evolve, promising new chapters on this longstanding friendship.