Russian Roulette The Russia-India Relationship with Tina Dolbaia and Vasabjit Banerjee
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Oct 7, 2025 Tina Dolbaia and Vasabjit Banerjee bring their expertise on Russian foreign policy and South Asian security to the discussion, focusing on their insightful paper on Russia-India relations. They explore the historical roots of their ties while dissecting the impact of the Ukraine invasion. Key topics include India's shift towards Western arms, the affordability and unique tech from Russia, and the complexities of India's oil purchases influenced by sanctions. They also debate strategic autonomy and the future of India's relationship with Russia amid U.S. pressures.
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Defense And Energy Are Core Links
- Russia-India ties center on defense and energy, rooted in Soviet-era links that persist today.
- About 60% of India's weapon systems trace back to Soviet/Russian origins, shaping long-term dependence.
Industrial Footprint Drives Long Memory
- Russian influence includes industrial penetration through licensed production that shaped India's defense manufacturing.
- Personal and institutional ties from the Soviet era create lasting preferences toward Russia.
Why Russia Still Matters For Arms
- India is diversifying toward Western weapons but still relies on Russia for affordability, scale, and certain technologies.
- Russia remains unique in offering technologies and co-production that NATO suppliers often won't.