Daily Times

For a long time, India has been acting deceptively, using its alliances to benefit itself while pretending to be a friendly partner. This dual nature is especially clear in its growing relationship with Russia. India’s strategy to increase its influence in Eurasia is demonstrated by the $35 billion in trade that occurred between India and Russia by 2023. However, there are several issues associated with this expanding cooperation that go beyond economics.

India’s trade with Russia isn’t just about business; it’s a strategic move to leverage Russian influence for its own geopolitical goals. The rapid increase in trade is a clear sign of India’s intent to establish a stronger presence in the strategically important region of Eurasia. Critics claim that India is consciously attempting to expand its influence through this cooperation, which could destabilise the area and create a power imbalance that favors India over other regional players.

It seems India is trying to spread Hindutva beliefs through cultural exchanges in entertainment and education. This isn’t just about mutual understanding rather this is a part of a bigger plan to export Hindutva values throughout the world. Since 2020, Hinduism has gained about 10,000 followers in Russia, which could significantly impact the country’s culture and social structure. The promotion of these ideologies can influence social dynamics in Russia, potentially sowing seeds of ideological conflict and altering the country’s cultural landscape. This could lead to resistance and backlash from those who feel their cultural identity is being threatened.

India’s trade with Russia is a strategic move to leverage Russian influence for its own geopolitical goals.

India is strategically trying to gain access to sensitive technologies by showing interest in Russian defence technology. By 2022, Indian defense imports from Russia made up 49 percent of its total defense imports. An arms race in South Asia might be sparked by this expanding defence cooperation, upsetting the balance of power in the region and escalating military tensions. This arms race could lead to increased militarization in the region, with neighboring countries feeling compelled to bolster their own defenses in response. The potential for conflict could rise, making South Asia a more volatile and dangerous place.

The anticipated $8 billion yearly usage of special financial channels for rupee-ruble transactions raises concerns about possible abuse for illicit purposes such as illegal lobbying or drug trafficking. These channels, operating with minimal oversight, pose significant risks of economic abuse.

India’s cultural outreach, particularly through film and education, risks exporting social issues like gender violence and extremism. The 40% increase in gender violence incidents in India since 2020 could adversely affect Russia’s social structure if these issues are transferred.

India’s engagement with Russia also involves a resource extraction strategy, with energy exports from Russia to India increasing by 400 percent in 2023. This significant rise highlights India’s efforts to secure raw materials and energy supplies, potentially leading to economic exploitation.

Additionally, there are concerns that India’s expanding cultural ties could be a front for espionage activities. Educational and artistic exchanges might serve as networks for intelligence gathering, with historical precedents of foreign influence raising alarms in Russia.

India’s ambition to dominate Eurasia is evident. The seemingly harmless cultural exchanges, strategic trade agreements, and defense collaborations all point towards a grander hegemonic dream. India’s dual-faced diplomacy and strategic maneuvering remind us that its friendly facade often hides deeper, more self-serving intentions. This growing alignment with Russia, while presenting various opportunities, also brings significant challenges and risks. It is crucial for both nations to navigate this relationship carefully, ensuring that their strategic interests do not undermine regional stability and international norms.

The writer is a freelance Content Writer & Columnist. She can be reached at: rakhshandamehtab@gmail.com