Daily Current Affairs : 30-December-2023

India’s External Affairs Minister recently visited Russia, resulting in significant bilateral agreements. This diplomatic engagement underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations across various sectors, with a focus on nuclear power, medicines, pharmaceutical substances, and medical devices.

Key Highlights of India-Russia Bilateral Meeting:

Strategic Collaboration:

  • Emphasis on defense, space exploration, nuclear energy, and technology sharing.
  • Reflects the robustness of the longstanding partnership, exploring avenues for deeper cooperation.

Economic Cooperation:

  • Agreement to expand Russian hydrocarbon exports to India.
  • Cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Far East Cooperation:

  • Finalization of the program of cooperation in the Far East.
  • Decision to hold an early meeting for EaEU-India FTA negotiations.

Nuclear Power Agreements:

  • Signing of agreements to advance units of the Kudankulam nuclear power project.
  • Operation of two Russian-built nuclear plants in India, with four more under construction.

Multilateral Forums:

  • Discussion on collaboration and common interests in forums like BRICS, SCO, and UN affairs.
Indo-Russia Relations: A Historical Overview:

Cold War Era:

  • Strong strategic, military, economic, and diplomatic ties.
  • Shared Special Strategic Relation after the Dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Recent Challenges:

  • Downfall in recent years, influenced by Russia’s relations with China and Pakistan.
  • Geopolitical issues affecting bilateral relations.

Bilateral Trade:

  • Total bilateral trade at ~USD 13 Billion in 2021-22.
  • Russia is India’s seventh-largest trading partner.

Military Cooperation:

  • Regular Tri-Services exercise ‘INDRA’.
  • Joint military programs and acquisition of military hardware.

Science & Technology Collaboration:

  • Key role of science & technology in bilateral partnership.
  • Ongoing collaboration in basic sciences, materials science, mathematics, and advanced areas.
Significance of Russia for India: A Multifaceted Partnership:

Diplomatic Role:

  • Russia’s role in defusing tensions between India and China during border standoff.
  • Trilateral meetings to address regional challenges.

Economic Engagement:

  • Traditional cooperation in weapons, hydrocarbons, nuclear energy, and diamonds.
  • Emerging sectors include mining, agro-industrial, and high technology.

Global Collaboration:

  • Cooperation on Afghanistan to address regional challenges.
  • Advocacy for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council and Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Arms and Defense:

  • Historical significance as India’s largest arms supplier.
  • A declining share in recent years, falling from 64% to 45% in arms imports.
Important Points:

Bilateral Meeting Highlights:

  • Strategic collaboration in defense, space, nuclear energy, and technology.
  • Agreement to expand Russian hydrocarbon exports to India.
  • Finalization of Far East cooperation and EaEU-India FTA negotiations.
  • Nuclear power agreements for Kudankulam project advancement.

Historical Overview of Indo-Russia Relations:

  • Strong Cold War ties, evolving into a Special Strategic Relation.
  • Recent challenges due to Russia’s relations with China and Pakistan.
  • Bilateral trade reaching ~USD 13 Billion in 2021-22.

Military Cooperation:

  • Regular Tri-Services exercise ‘INDRA’.
  • Joint military programs, including BrahMos cruise missile and Sukhoi Su-30MKI.
  • Acquisition of S-400 Triumf, Kamov Ka-226, T-90S Bhishma, and INS Vikramaditya.

Science & Technology Collaboration:

  • Key role in establishing Bhilai Steel Plant, IIT Bombay, and India’s space program.
  • Ongoing collaboration in basic sciences, materials science, mathematics, and advanced areas like Gaganyaan and nanotechnologies.

Significance of Russia for India:

  • Diplomatic role in defusing India-China tensions and trilateral meetings.
  • Economic engagement in traditional areas and emerging sectors like high technology.
  • Global collaboration on Afghanistan, UN Security Council, and Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Arms and Defense:

  • Historical significance as India’s largest arms supplier.
  • Declining share in recent years, falling from 64% to 45% in arms imports.
Why In News

India’s External Affairs Minister undertook a recent visit to Russia, resulting in crucial bilateral agreements. The focus areas of collaboration encompassed nuclear power, medicines, pharmaceutical substances, and medical devices. This diplomatic engagement reflects the strengthening ties between the two nations across diverse sectors, underscoring their commitment to fostering mutual economic growth and technological advancement.

MCQs about India-Russia Bilateral Relations

  1. What is the current trend in India-Russia arms imports, according to SIPRI’s Trends in International Arms Transfers 2022 report?
    A. Steady increase
    B. Significant decline
    C. Marginal decrease
    D. Sharp rise
    Correct Answer: B. Significant decline
    Explanation: A fall from 64% to 45% in arms imports in recent years, as per SIPRI’s report.
  2. Which forum was discussed for collaboration between India and Russia, along with other countries?
    A. NATO
    B. BRICS
    C. ASEAN
    D. G7
    Correct Answer: B. BRICS
    Explanation: The essay mentions discussions on collaboration and common interests in forums like BRICS, SCO, and UN affairs.
  3. What is the significance of Russia in recent India-China tensions?
    A. Russia supported China against India
    B. Russia remained neutral in the conflict
    C. Russia played a diplomatic role in defusing tensions
    D. Russia sided with India against China
    Correct Answer: C. Russia played a diplomatic role in defusing tensions.
    Explanation: Russia’s role in defusing tensions between India and China during the eastern Ladakh border standoff.

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