Ever the Russian way
ALTHOUGH in his own way Vladmir Putin is more forceful, perhaps even more colourful, than several of his international counterparts, he regales in a no-frills image. And so it was there was less hype and media glare about his brief trip to New Delhi compared with recent visits of other dignitaries -- but more “take away”, for both countries. The string of agreements signed would, for India, appear something like Santa's sack of goodies -- nuclear power plants, dual-use helicopters, crude imports as well as the re-routing of some diamonds for cutting/polishing. What Mr. Putin secured was Indian support, politically and commercially, at a time when Moscow has been shunned by the “West” and the sanctions it has imposed are beginning to hurt. And that could require New Delhi to find its feet on the diplomatic tightrope it will have to traverse in the revived Cold War.
That a leader of the breakaway Crimea travelled with Mr. Putin -- though not included in his official delegation -- would not have gone unnoticed in Washington, Berlin and London. The global situation, however, would not allow them to shun an “emerging” India, as they had done in the initial Cold War stand-off. What must also be noted is that in contrast with other recent diplomatic action this was not a Modi-driven show. Mr. Putin made that clear when meeting Sonia Gandhi -- which South Block had chosen not to pre-publicise.
Another reflection of it not being a Modi-show was that the Indian prime minister took the “time-tested, old friend” line. As well as a declaration that Russia would remain the prime supplier of military equipment to India despite recent flirtations with the “slick-marketing” western producers. And Moscow's response was positive: the plan to produce some 400 Kamov Ka-226 civil/military helicopters in India was right up the “make in India” street, with the possibility of third-country exports. There are, however, hurdles to be cleared on the defence-supplies front. Problems have arisen with the SU-30 MkI combat aircraft, and work on the FGFA (fifth generation fighter aircraft) has remained grounded.
Russia's move toward upgraded military links with Pakistan is another sore point -- could that be the Kremlin's way of letting India know that its new focus on American arms would result in Russia seeking other markets? Mr. Putin has left the query hanging in the air. Some sales pitch that.
© The Statesman. All rights reserved. Reprinted by arrangement with Asia News Network.
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