Russia and India have a longstanding and deep friendship that dates back to the Cold War era. The two countries share a strategic partnership that has grown stronger over the years, based on shared values, interests, and mutual respect.

We will explore the history of Russia and India's friendship, from its early days to the present.

Early Days of Friendship

The relationship between Russia and India dates back to the 16th century, when Russian traders first arrived on the Indian subcontinent. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that the two countries established a deep friendship. After India gained independence from Britain in 1947, it began to pursue a policy of non-alignment, seeking to maintain neutrality in the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.

During this period, the Soviet Union was seeking allies in its struggle against the United States. In 1955, the Soviet Union and India signed the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Peace, which laid the foundation for a strong relationship between the two countries. The treaty focused on economic, cultural, and military cooperation, and provided a framework for continued cooperation in the years to come.

Cold War Era

During the Cold War era, the Soviet Union became India's most important ally and provided significant military and economic aid to India. The Soviet Union supported India in its conflicts with Pakistan, including the 1965 and 1971 wars, and played a key role in resolving the 1971 Bangladesh crisis.

The Soviet Union also played a key role in India's economic development, providing aid and technical assistance to help India develop its infrastructure and industry. This support helped India become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Post-Cold War Era

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia and India's friendship continued. In fact, the relationship between the two countries has grown stronger in recent years. In 2000, the two countries signed the Declaration on Strategic Partnership, which reaffirmed their commitment to each other and established a framework for continued cooperation.

Russia remains one of India's most important strategic partners, with strong cooperation in the areas of defense, energy, and space. India is one of the largest customers of Russian arms, and the two countries collaborate on joint military exercises and training programs.

In addition to defense and security cooperation, Russia and India also collaborate in the areas of space exploration, energy, and trade. The two countries have set a goal of increasing their bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2025.

Russia and India's friendship is a testament to the power of shared values and interests. Despite the challenges of the Cold War era and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the two countries have maintained a strong and enduring partnership that has grown stronger over time. Today, Russia and India continue to work together to address global challenges and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the world