India and Sino-Russian Alliance
India and Sino-Russian Alliance
India and Sino-Russian Alliance
The triangular dynamic between the US, Russia and China has long
been the principal factor shaping independent India’s geopolitics.
The unveiling of a new Sino-Russian alliance last year, the Russian
aggression towards Ukraine, and the deepening confrontation
between the West and Russia and China are compelling India to
recalibrate its international relations.
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strengthen its alliances and partnerships in
Europe and Asia.
• During the NATO summit in June
2022, America's Asian allies
participated for the first time, and
NATO has pledged to take an active
role in shaping Indo-Pacific power
balances.
In what ways does the China-Russia Alliance affect
India?
▪ Geopolitical:
o The alliance between China and Russia can shift
the balance of power in the region, potentially
limiting India's influence and heightening
competition for regional dominance.
• For Example: The China-Russia alliance
may result in both countries backing a
particular position in the United
Nations Security Council, making it
harder for India to get its own position
passed.
▪ Economic:
o India could face increased economic
competition from China and Russia, particularly
in areas such as energy, natural resources, and
trade.
• For Example: The alliance between
China and Russia could result in
increased economic cooperation,
including joint ventures and trade deals
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that could make it more difficult for
Indian businesses to compete in
certain markets.
▪ Military:
o The alliance could result in increased military
cooperation between China and Russia,
potentially leading to a strengthening of their
military capabilities and a threat to Indian
security.
• The strengthening of ties between
China and Russia can lead to increased
cooperation in military and
technological spheres, potentially
creating challenges for India's military
capabilities.
▪ Diplomatic:
o India may have to navigate a more complex
diplomatic landscape as a result of the alliance,
particularly in international forums such as the
United Nations, where China and Russia wield
significant influence.
• For Example: The China-Russia alliance
may result in both countries working
together to block certain initiatives
supported by India in international
forums such as the United Nations.
What should be the Way Forward?
▪ Pursuing a Multi-Aligned Foreign Policy:
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o India should engage in dialogue with both China
and Russia to address areas of mutual
concern and manage any potential conflicts.
o India should strengthen its partnerships with
other countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific
region, to counterbalance the growing influence
of China and Russia.
• India has also been seeking to deepen
its economic ties with countries in the
region and beyond, to promote its
economic growth and development.
o Through these efforts, India can safeguard its
national interests and maintain a stable regional
and global order.
o India can also seek to strengthen its own
military capabilities and alliances with other
countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
▪ Leveraging its Position as Growing Economy:
o India's growing economy and large market
size can be leveraged as a strategic asset to
promote its interests in regional and global
forums, particularly in the context of the rising
China-Russia alliance.
o India's status as a rapidly growing economy and
a large market can provide it with significant
bargaining power in trade negotiations and
other economic forums.
o India can use this bargaining power to promote
its economic interests and to secure access to
resources and markets.
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o By leveraging its economic growth, India can
also increase its political influence in regional
and global forums, thereby helping to
counterbalance the rising China-Russia alliance.
▪ Leveraging its position as Soft Power:
o India can use its soft power, such as cultural
heritage, democracy, and reputation as a peace-
loving nation, to attract international support and
build alliances.
o This can help India enhance its standing and
influence on the global stage, particularly in the
context of the China-Russia alliance.
o By leveraging its soft power, India can project a
positive image and create a favorable perception
among other nations, making it easier to forge
partnerships and alliances.