The strategic partnership between India and Russia continues to strengthen, now expanding beyond traditional energy deals into the crucial maritime sector. Following offers of discounted crude oil and proposals to increase liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, Russia has extended a significant offer of cooperation to India in the fields of shipbuilding and port infrastructure. This development is stirring international political circles, especially as the United States remains cautious about the growing proximity between India and Russia. Moscow's latest proposal underscores its desire to more firmly integrate New Delhi into its strategic sphere.
Russia's New Mega Offer
Recently, Nikolai Patrushev, a key advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin and former National Security Advisor (NSA), visited India. The primary objective of his visit was to further deepen bilateral relations between the two nations, while during his trip, Patrushev held a meeting with India's Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. In this high-level discussion, Russia presented a comprehensive cooperation package for India's maritime sector, which has the potential to elevate technical and industrial partnership between the two countries to new heights. The cooperation proposed by Russia encompasses several vital aspects of shipbuilding and port infrastructure.
Russia has offered to provide India with existing designs for fishing vessels, passenger ships, and auxiliary vessels. Also, Russia has also proposed to assist in developing new designs tailored to India's specific requirements and priorities, while this initiative aligns perfectly with India's 'Make in India' campaign and its goals of self-reliance, enabling India to modernize its maritime fleet and enhance its capabilities domestically.
Offer of Special Vessels and Technical Assistance
The proposed cooperation isn't limited to general vessels but also extends to the construction of specialized ships. Russia has expressed its willingness to provide technical assistance to India for the construction of special vessels such as icebreakers, designed to navigate through ice-covered waters, and deep-sea research vessels. These specialized ships could be crucial for India's maritime security, scientific research, and presence in regions like the Arctic. On top of that, Russia has also discussed extensive cooperation in green shipbuilding and maritime logistics, which are among India's top priorities in the maritime sector today. Green shipbuilding focuses on constructing environmentally friendly vessels, while maritime logistics. Is vital for making sea trade and supply chains more efficient.
Existing Cooperation in the Energy Sector
This new offer isn't Russia's first attempt to strengthen ties with India. Prior to this, Russia has made significant proposals to India in the realm of energy security. Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev previously stated that India aims to increase the share of gas in its energy mix to 15%, and Russia is prepared to supply more gas to India from its existing and upcoming projects. Besides, Russia has consistently provided India with discounted crude oil, which has continuously bolstered energy trade between the two nations, while this energy partnership plays a crucial role in meeting India's growing energy demands.
Potential Reaction from the United States
The United States is closely monitoring the increasing proximity between India and Russia. Amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US is openly attempting to exert economic pressure on Russia and doesn't wish for any country to strengthen its trade relations with Russia. Former US President Donald Trump even stated that countries providing economic assistance to Russia could face additional tariffs, while in this context, Russia's new offer could prove uncomfortable for the United States. However, India's foreign policy has always been characterized by balance. New Delhi consistently strives to maintain relations with both superpowers, the US and Russia, while prioritizing its strategic interests. It will be interesting to observe how India proceeds with this new offer and what impact it has on international geopolitics.