The Transformation of India–Russia Relations After 2014

The India-Russia relations have traditionally been marked by the high level of strategic confidence and prolonged cooperation, especially regarding the field of defence. But during the modern era, the relationship has enhanced itself to be more inclusive in its traditional platform to incorporate expanded economic and trade activities. The paper analyses the development of India-Russia bilateral relations in the post-2014 period and mainly the issues on defence cooperation and trade relations. It states that defence has still stayed as the cornerstone of the relationship, however, trade particularly in the energy sector has become one of the key pillars. The paper also examines the way the two nations have responded to geopolitical changes such as Western sanctions and policy of strategic independence by India when it comes to the partnership. It concludes that, notwithstanding new challenges, the India-Russian relationship is strong and will still be relevant in a multipolar international system (Pant, 2016).