Almost three years after his last visit to India in December 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced his next 23rd annual bilateral visit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pending the announcement of concrete dates. He is scheduled to visit New Delhi for a summit meeting. Putin’s visit is in response to Prime Minister Modi’s extended invitation during bilateral talks to be held on the sidelines of the Kazan BRICS summit in October 2024.
The two leaders had previously met at the 22nd India-Russia Summit held on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum held in Russia in July 2024. On the occasion, both sides reaffirmed their “special and privileged” strategic partnership and their commitment to strengthening their historic partnership. , years of experience and all-weather nature.
The upcoming summit is important because President Putin’s priority is to promote multipolarization in a world order that is rapidly changing from unipolar rule to a multipolar balance.
The Kazan BRICS Summit Declaration resembles a testament to building a fairer and more just world order, represented by the voices of the Global South/Global Majority, which remains marginalized from Western-centered international institutions. It turns out. Like China, India is also a civilized nation and is expected to be seen as an important partner in building a multipolar order in the emerging global balance of power led by Russia.
Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin, whose ideas have had a profound influence on the policies of President Putin and Moscow, has argued that in the Westphalian model of international relations, China, India, and his country are not nation-states. It is considered a civilized nation.
For him, multipolarity should be based on dialogue between Russia, China and India, forming the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) group that challenges Western dominance. Dugin emphasizes the important role India can play in a new world order and balance of power, including breaking free from colonialist mindsets and moving away from Western-driven narratives.
Questioning the superiority of the West
Discourses in academic and policy circles, particularly in Russia and the Global South, question the primacy of the West and the marginalization of non-Western voices and experiences. This debate requires a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, pluralistic universalism, and grounding in world history.
Additionally, NATO’s eastward expansion, political instability, the resurgence of fascism in Europe and America, and the prospect of a new Cold War have led to Russia’s call for a multipolar world order with support from Turkey, Egypt, India, and China. This is the reason. , Brazil, South Africa, etc., through the strengthening of Eurasian integration and multilateral platforms such as BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and G20.
BRICS is the most important institution for the establishment of a new Cold War and a multipolar world order. The changing world situation and cooperation with Russia in the Global South, especially under the BRICS framework, show that it is difficult to isolate Russia.
Russia is currently seeking more equity as envisaged in the Kazan Declaration, which calls for stronger multilateralism, stronger economic cooperation, enhanced people-to-people exchanges, respect for the United Nations Charter and international law, and the fight against terrorism and climate change. and is working to build a just, multipolar world order. changes etc.
A consensus was sought on the view that “unlawful unilateral coercive measures” such as sanctions are harmful to the global economy and the Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, the enlarged BRICS agreed to abolish the dollar and trade in their national currencies.
India’s position in the world order
President Putin believes that the current importance of Russia, India, and China in the East is important in the 21st century in countering Containment II (the United States’ post-Cold War containment policy). Similarly, Lenin observed in 1923 the importance of Russia’s alliance with India and China for ensuring the success of socialism in the struggle against the imperialist countries.
Against the backdrop of the emergence of a multipolar world, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger also said, “India will become the fulcrum of the 21st century order. It is an essential element…”
President Putin believes that the alliance of Russia, China and India will counter NATO expansion and neoliberal capitalism, strengthen multipolarity and ensure the emergence of a more democratic, fair, prosperous and peaceful multipolar world order. I see it as a possibility. In a recent speech at the general meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi, President Putin said that given India’s rapid technological and economic growth, “India should be added to the list of great powers.” Ta.
There is speculation that Putin played a role in bringing Chinese President Xi Jinping and Modi together to make the Kazan meeting a success. The two countries agreed to maintain a cooperative overall relationship, contribute to peace in the region and the world, and act with a long-term perspective to advance multipolarity.
Importantly, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi asserted that Beijing and New Delhi are non-aligned, support multilateralism, and that both countries will contribute to the process of building global multipolarity.
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, who recently met Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Rio de Janeiro G20 meeting, said the two countries agreed to work together to rebuild trust and mutual understanding. Progress is expected with the resumption of direct flights, exchange of journalists, and facilitation of visa issuance.
At the India-Russia summit on July 22, President Putin and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed their commitment to a “special and privileged strategic partnership.” India has also urged Ukraine to remain neutral in the Ukraine-Russia war and resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with international law.
After the Ukraine war, trade between India and Russia expanded significantly. India is one of the major importers of Russian oil, despite pressure from the US and Western partners. The goal is to increase trade volume from US$65 billion in 2023 to US$100 billion by 2030.
The upcoming 23rd India-Russia Summit will reflect and review the partnership, discuss its future direction and trajectory, and the roadmap for cooperation towards building global multipolarity. Although trade and economic cooperation are expanding, defense cooperation is the main focus of Russia’s strategic partnership.
KB Usha is an Associate Professor at the Center for Russian and Central Asian Studies, School of International Relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™.
