Navigating the Complexities of India-Russia-China Relations

The Importance of India-Russia Relations

Given that Russia is considered India's most reliable ally, India has consistently viewed its concerns as its own. Similarly, Russia should regard India's worries, even if they are related to China. It is often observed that Russia takes a vocal stance on India-Pakistan issues but remains silent on India-China matters. This raises the question: why is this the case, and how long will it continue? Meanwhile, the United States, India's new ally, is vocal about India-China relations but tends to lean towards Pakistan in India-Pakistan matters, seemingly to escalate conflicts and promote arms sales. India has adeptly understood these diplomatic maneuvers, which is why it maintains a greater affinity for Russia over the U.S., despite being non-aligned.

The Strategic Need for Cooperation

Experts in diplomatic affairs suggest that the common adversaries for strong nations like India and Russia are the U.S. and the U.K. Therefore, to counter Europe and America, particularly the USA and the UK, Russia will always need India. Even with China's support, India remains essential, as the current geopolitical landscape indicates that whichever side India aligns with will gain a psychological advantage.

The Need for a New Diplomatic Approach

It is crucial to reshape the 'New Delhi-Moscow Diplomatic Expressway' with diligence. From this perspective, both Russia and China must demonstrate wisdom; otherwise, Western nations will seek to undermine them for their long-term interests. There is no doubt that the U.S. has played a significant role in strengthening China's economic and scientific power. However, China has now become a liability for the U.S., which aims to entangle it with its neighbors to secure its own position as the global leader.

Historical Context and Current Dynamics

Historically, the U.S. dismantled the USSR in the 1980s and has kept Russia entangled with Ukraine. Similarly, it seeks to embroil China with Taiwan and India. In this context, Pakistan has often played a dual role, sometimes overtly and sometimes covertly, in supporting anti-India sentiments. Thus, the triangle of Russia, China, and India, along with BRICS nations, must engage in nuanced diplomacy to weaken Western dominance and promote Asian interests.

China's Role in Regional Tensions

If there is any obstacle to the historical ties between India and Russia, it is China's disruptive diplomacy regarding India. The manner in which China occupied the autonomous region of Tibet in the 1950s and subsequently waged war on India in 1962 exemplifies its aggressive tactics. Following this, China has provided support to adversarial nations like Pakistan, which undermines India's dignity.

The Need for Caution in International Relations

China's strategy involves inciting India's neighboring countries—Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan—against India, while also fostering closer ties with Pakistan. Consequently, India must engage not only with Russia but also with the U.S. and Europe.

The Shift in Global Geopolitics

In the late 1980s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of globalization and privatization, the 2000s marked a turning point where the world recognized the necessity of collaboration between India and the U.S.-Europe to combat rampant Islamic terrorism. Both groups shared common concerns, prompting India to extend a hand of friendship to the U.S., which was unwelcome to Russia.

India's Strategic Caution

This caution is justified, as the U.S. and Europe have never been loyal to any nation. Therefore, India has remained vigilant regarding this new friendship and has never overly engaged in anti-Russia or anti-China initiatives, prioritizing its defensive interests instead. After the success of Operation Sindoor, the U.S. and Europe’s reactions have raised alarms in India, especially after the terrorist incident in Pahalgam.

The Role of Western Nations

The U.S. has been exposed for facilitating billions in aid to China through the IMF, which has further complicated India's position. Historically, the U.S. and the U.K. have been unreliable partners for India. Given this cautious approach, India's interests remain secure today.

The Need for Balanced Relations

India aims to safeguard not only its interests but also those of the Global South, understanding the intricacies of G7 dynamics while balancing them within the G20 framework.

A Call for Unity Against Western Manipulation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement on May 15, 2025, regarding Western nations pitting India and China against each other, is a timely and accurate observation. Both countries must learn from historical mistakes and move forward, as they are both nuclear powers. During a summit in Moscow, he emphasized the need to monitor ongoing developments, as Western nations have begun to label the region as the Indo-Pacific to promote an anti-China agenda.

The Importance of ASEAN and Eurasia

Lavrov also mentioned ASEAN, highlighting that Western nations are attempting to diminish its role. He asserted that Western countries aspire to play a significant role in this region, potentially undermining ASEAN's centrality.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Lavrov underscored the importance of Eurasia and the need for a platform that fosters coordination and harmony. The Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed efforts to prevent conflicts between India and Pakistan, urging both nations to resolve their issues through political and diplomatic means. However, China must reconsider its aggressive postures in Arunachal Pradesh and POK, and reassess its actions in Tibet. It should prioritize India's strategic interests in the seven to eight countries bordering the Himalayas and focus on its imperial ambitions elsewhere. Otherwise, the triangle of Russia, China, and India will struggle to succeed. As India begins to assert itself strategically against the U.S. and European nations while remaining loyal to Russia, it is clear that any disregard for India's strategic interests will lead to diplomatic repercussions. If Russia can successfully convey this to China, it could emerge as a new global leader, as the world urgently needs to rid itself of American duplicity.