Deepening Russia-China ties and impact on India

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement is not intended.

Context:

• Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping met at the historic Great Hall of the People, the seat of power of the Chinese Communist Party.

Main takeaways from the visit:

• Sino-Russian Relationship Dynamics:
  • The meeting between the two leaders points to the deepening ties between Russia and China, characterized by mutual respect and strategic cooperation.
  • Russia’s emphasis on the non-opportunistic and non-directed nature of its relationship aims to reassure global observers about the stability and intentions of the alliance.
  • China characterized the friendship as "everlasting" and poised it as a model for international relations. This signals China's commitment to the partnership.
• International Context:
  • The timing of the visit amid Russia's control over Ukrainian territory highlights Russia's assertiveness in foreign policy and its ability to shape geopolitical dynamics.
  • Chinese president’s recent European tour and meetings with leaders like countries from France demonstrate China's broader diplomatic engagements beyond its alliance with Russia, indicating its multi-faceted approach to global affairs.
• Concerns over China's Role in Ukraine War:
  • There might be China's role in providing military support to Russia through the supply of dual-use items.
  • Increased imports of machinery and equipment from China to Russia, particularly those with military applications, raise concerns about China's indirect involvement in the conflict.

Sino-Russian Historical Context: ●During the Cold War, China and the USSR were rivals, competing for control of the global communist movement. Tensions between the countries rose dangerously in the early 1960s, and they fought a brief border war in 1969. ●The relationship began to improve after the death of Mao in 1976 but remained still right until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. ●In the post Cold War-era, economic relations formed the “new strategic basis” for Sino-Russian relations. China became Russia’s biggest trading partner and the largest Asian investor in Russia. China views Russia as a powerhouse of raw materials and a valuable market for its consumer goods.

• Implications for India:
  • India's heavy reliance on Russian defense supplies, along with the India-China border standoff, raises concerns about the potential impact of the deepening Sino-Russian alliance on Indian security interests.
  • The prospect of Russia becoming a "junior partner" to China is concerning and India may need to reassess its defense procurement strategies and diplomatic engagements.
  • The Soviet Union’s position during the 1962 war was not particularly supportive of India. However, Moscow did extend its support during the 1971 war. But current Sino-Russia dynamics show that Russia may not be completely relied upon in the future.

Conclusion:

• The convergence of interests between Russia and China, driven by shared grievances towards Western powers and strategic alignment, reshapes global power dynamics and challenges Western hegemony. India, situated in the midst of this evolving geopolitical landscape, faces complex strategic calculations concerning its defense posture, diplomatic relations, and regional security dynamics.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/xi-putin-and-the-world-9333972/

Must read article:

https://www.iasgyan.in/ig-uploads/pdf/rstv21.pdf

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The growing relationship between Russia and China has significant geopolitical implications and has been a subject of interest in international relations. (250 words)