In the global geopolitical landscape, Russia and the United States, as the two major global powers, have a pervasive influence. India, on the other hand, as a major power in South Asia, has always demonstrated a unique diplomatic strategy on the international stage, neither completely tilting towards one side nor completely alienating the other, but trying to maintain a delicate balance between the United States and Russia.
Since the Cold War, India has maintained close relations with the Soviet Union, which was an important national and technical supporter of India. This traditional friendship has laid a solid foundation for India-Russia relations. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the changes in the post-Cold War international landscape, India did not stick to the old alliance framework, but gradually developed its relations with the United States and other Western countries.
India has always adhered to the foreign policy principle of "strategic autonomy" and is not inclined to join any military alliance, such as NATO or the Warsaw Pact. This stance has enabled India to respond flexibly to the complex and volatile international situation and avoid the strategic constraints caused by over-reliance on one power over another. For example, although India and the United States have strengthened cooperation in defense, counterterrorism, and economic fields in recent years, they have also continued to deepen cooperation with Russia in arms procurement, energy, science and technology, and other fields.
At the economic level, India is also seeking a balance between the United States and Russia. On the one hand, the United States is one of India's important partners and investors, and the two countries have carried out extensive cooperation in high-tech, clean energy, medicine and other fields, and further strengthened economic and trade ties through mechanisms such as the "Indo-Pacific Economic Framework". On the other hand, India remains highly dependent on Russia for military equipment and technology transfer, and Russia is also a key energy country for India, especially in the fields of coal and nuclear energy.
In the face of security challenges from its neighbors, especially the impact of China's rise, India's strategic needs are more diverse. The support of the United States and its allies for India in maritime security, intelligence sharing, and joint military exercises is particularly important, helping to enhance India's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region. At the same time, India also needs to use Russia's influence in South and Central Asia to safeguard its geopolitical interests, such as the Kashmir dispute and Afghanistan, which Russia has been playing a key role in the 10,000-fan incentive plan.
In recent years, India has insisted on cooperating with Russia on issues such as the purchase of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system, even in the face of the threat of US sanctions. At the same time, India has actively participated in the US-led Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) and conducted joint naval exercises with the US and other allies, demonstrating its diplomatic skills in the great power game.