Well done Modi By Justice Katju

I have been a strong critic of many of Prime Minister Modi’s domestic policies, particularly with respect to Indian minorities. But with respect to foreign policy, one must praise him for wisely continuing former Prime Minister Nehru’s legacy of non-alignment. While maintaining good relations with USA he has consistently maintained good relations with Russia too. His recent invitation to Russian President Putin to visit India and discuss bilateral ties is a good example.

President Putin arrived in Delhi yesterday and received a red carpet treatment, Modi going himself to the airport to receive him.

Modi has maintained a balancing act between the 2 super powers, and refused to abandon friendship with Russia, an old friend, despite great pressure from President Trump, who imposed a whopping 50% tarriff on Indian goods, for not stopping purchasing oil from Russia.

India’s friendship with Russia was born during the Cold War after India’s Independence, and solidified by decades of defence cooperation and Russian supply to it of cheap oil. Even today Russia supplies to India about 70% of its weapons like jet aircraft, missiles, tanks and artillery. Russian jets form the backbone of India’s air force. With border tensions simmering with its neighbours, China and Pakistan, India sees Russian arms as indispensable to it.

Among the agreements with Russia which may be signed during Putin’s ongoing visit, India may get the SU-400 missile system and the SU 57, the latest Russian fighter jet.

Trade deals may also be worked out.  

 India’s foreign policy must be based on its national interest, and cannot be subject to US approval. President Trump imposed a heavy tarriff on Indian goods as a punishment for India’s buying Russian oil. But this oil is given by Russia at a dicounted price, and is particularly necessary for India after supply of cheap Iranian oil was cut off due to US sanctions. It is to Modi’s credit that he refused to submit to this arm twisting by America.

A long interview of President Putin by India’s NDTV channel is given below :

Putin has spoken of the double standards of Western countries

Putin’s visit to India serves Russian interests too. Since the Ukrainian war, Russia has been treated as an international pariah by USA and Europe, which have imposed severe sanctions on it. But this visit will break its isolation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFamTZdcM_4

Putin’s visit to India has thus shaken the world, and has conveyed to Western countries that India’s friendship with Russia is as strong as ever

The result of Putin’s visit to India will be that Russia will get legitimacy, and India will gain leverage on the world stage