India and Russia in the Changing International Setting

In the first decade of the post-Cold War era, relations between India and Russia have suffered because of mutual neglect and clear attempts to prioritize establishment of the friendliest relations with the sole superpower, the United States. However, the natural preference in both countries to work for multipolarity in world politics helped in repairing the relationship, particularly during the past one decade. Remarkably, relations with the US are no longer an obstacle to better India–Russia relations. The troubled security environment characterized by what is often believed as the state-sponsored terrorism in sensitive regions of Asia, the war in Afghanistan, and the political instability in Afghanistan as well as in countries of Central Asia has paved the way for India–Russia strategic partnership. Moreover, issues of energy security have added a new dimension, although the glitches in promoting optimal economic and trade relations remain to be fully overcome.