&w=3840&q=100)
Not an ‘enemy': How India's ties with Russia reflect the West's past choices
A recent Telegraph article by Tom Sharpe has stirred controversy by branding India an 'enemy' over its continued partnership with Russia—a nation blamed for fuelling the Ukraine war through oil exports and defence cooperation. As a long-time observer of India's strategic calculus, I believe this framing is dangerously simplistic. Rather than vilify India, the West must reckon with how its own historical choices—and geography—shaped India's ties with Moscow.
A Relationship Forged by Strategy, Not Defiance
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
India's ties with Russia are not born of hostility toward the West, but of historical necessity and geographic logic. During the Cold War, India's non-alignment masked a tilt towards the Soviet Union, which proved decisive during the 1971 war with Pakistan—a US-backed ally. Soviet support then was not merely symbolic; it was strategic, helping India in a conflict that played out more than 4,000 miles from Moscow's borders.
That partnership matured into robust defence cooperation. The 2009 renewal of a Soviet-era agreement, joint projects like the BrahMos cruise missile, and India's $5.43 billion S-400 Triumf deal in 2018—pursued despite US CAATSA sanctions—reflect more than nostalgia. They represent a calculated hedge: Russia as a steady supplier and a counterweight to China, India's northern adversary.
Sharpe's article fails to engage with this layered history. India's position was not forged in defiance of the West but shaped by the West's Cold War choices and India's need to manage its precarious neighbourhood. Moscow offered what Washington would not: reliable arms without conditionality.
Oil, Ukraine, and West's Reaction
Russia's war in Ukraine has sharpened scrutiny of India's neutrality. By May 2025, India was importing 1.96 million barrels of Russian crude daily—roughly 40–44 per cent of its oil supply, a 40 per cent increase since 2022, according to OPEC. This surge reflects economic pragmatism: Russian oil is cheap, plentiful, and accessible.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
But economic logic has met political backlash. US Senator Lindsey Graham recently proposed a 500 per cent tariff on nations trading with Russia, aiming to cut off the lifeblood of what he calls Putin's war machine—estimated to have cost Ukraine $400 billion, per the Kiel Institute. Sharpe leans into this narrative, interpreting India's oil purchases and naval cooperation as alignment with Moscow against the West.
Yet this interpretation overlooks a critical point: geography. India is nearly 4,000 miles from the front lines of Europe's war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently urged peace in Ukraine, but India's interests remain regional—focused on border security, energy access, and economic resilience. Unlike Europe, India does not have a belligerent Russia on its doorstep. To Europe, Russia is a bad neighbour. With 80 per cent of Russians living west of the Ural Mountains, Europe faces a persistent neighbourly threat. India, however, is separated by vast distances, with no territorial disputes or shared battlefields with Russia. This geographical divide shapes a pragmatic alignment, not rivalry, challenging the West's projection of its neighbourly anxieties onto India.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Russia: A Neighbourly Threat to Europe, Not to India
To understand the West's frustrations, one must also understand its geography. For Europe, Russia is not a distant actor—it is a revisionist power next door. The 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine displaced over 8 million people, as the UN notes. Hybrid attacks like the 2022 Nord Stream sabotage and simmering conflicts in Georgia and Moldova have intensified European insecurity.
A 2023 Chatham House report underscored this tension, pointing to Russia's proximity and history of destabilisation as central to the EU's hardened stance. This is Europe's reality—and it is not India's.
New Delhi is separated from Moscow by vast geography and divergent histories. It has no territorial disputes with Russia, no competing security pacts, and no shared battlefield. Its relationship with Moscow is not one of rivalry but of steady, if pragmatic, alignment. To conflate Europe's neighbourly anxieties with India's strategic autonomy is to miss the point entirely.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Not a Pawn, Not an Enemy
Branding India an enemy because of its Russia ties ignores the role the West itself played in shaping that very relationship. During the Cold War, it was Western hesitation and alignment with Pakistan that pushed India closer to Moscow. In the decades since, India has maintained a careful, multipolar approach—balancing its partnerships with Russia, the US, and other regional actors through institutions like Brics, SCO, and the Quad.
India's decisions are guided not by loyalty or betrayal, but by national interest. Just as Britain acts to safeguard its own security and energy needs, so does India. Its approach to Russia reflects long-term calculations shaped by history, geography, and economic necessity—not ideological sympathy for Moscow's adventurism.
The West's Opportunity: Respect India's Perspective
The United States has thus far tolerated India's neutrality because it values India's role in balancing China in the Indo-Pacific. But as domestic pressure mounts in Washington, London, and Brussels, proposals like Graham's tariff threaten to upend this fragile balance.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Sharpe's article, though provocative, should be seen as a warning: the West risks alienating India by failing to understand its perspective. Rather than cast New Delhi as a liability, the West should view it as a potential bridge between democratic alliances and Eurasian realities. With its unique vantage point, India could help moderate tensions, not exacerbate them—if only it is treated as a partner, not a problem.
The author is a strategist in international relations and economic development. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


India Today
37 minutes ago
- India Today
Trump, Zelenskyy discuss boosting Ukraine's air defences amid Russian attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump held a phone call on July 4, during which they agreed to strengthen Ukraine's air defence capabilities as Russian aerial attacks escalate. The conversation followed a record-setting drone assault on Kyiv that injured at least 23 people and ignited dozens of fires across the said the two leaders had a detailed discussion on air defence systems, particularly focusing on increasing Ukraine's ability to "defend the sky." advertisementThey agreed to initiate talks between their respective teams aimed at enhancing cooperation on defence technology and airspace protection. The Ukrainian president emphasised the urgency of bolstering defences, citing intensified Russian airstrikes and battlefield activity. He also expressed readiness to pursue joint defence projects with US partners, particularly involving drone to US media reports, the call lasted about 40 minutes. Trump reportedly expressed support for Ukraine's air defence needs and promised to look into whether any U.S. weapon shipments had been conversation came just one day after Trump had what he described as a 'very disappointing' phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said Putin showed no signs of seeking an end to the war. Despite these concerns, the Trump administration has not yet approved new aid or sanctions targeting recently paused some weapons deliveries to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles, prompting concern in Kyiv over the potential impact on its air defence. Germany has since entered discussions to purchase Patriot systems to help fill the direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine resumed earlier this year in Istanbul, progress has been limited, with only prisoner exchanges achieved so far.- EndsMust Watch


Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Dominik Hašek calls Trump 'the weakest president' and Putin 'a criminal' after Kyiv drone attack
NHL legend Dominik Hašek says Trump enabled Putin's attack on Ukraine. (Getty Images) You don't usually expect brutal political takedowns to come from NHL legends, but Dominik Hašek just changed the game. The Hall of Fame goalie, once known for stopping slapshots, is now stopping short of calling Trump a war enabler. After Donald Trump reportedly chatted with Vladimir Putin , Russia launched over 500 drones and missiles into Ukraine's capital, injuring dozens. Hašek's response? A firestorm tweet calling Trump 'the weakest president' and accusing him of helping Putin's 'imperialist goals.' Yeah. This wasn't just shade, it was a direct hit. Dominik Hašek didn't hold back: 'Trump is doing everything he can to help Putin' The timing was too perfect and too horrifying. Just hours after Trump's phone call with Putin, Russian forces unleashed a terrifying assault on Kyiv. Buildings exploded. Children were hurt. Civilians ran for cover. And Dominik Hašek didn't stay quiet. 'The weakest president! @realDonaldTrump chatted with the biggest criminal of the 21st century, Putin, and he immediately sent more than 500 drones and ballistic missiles to the Ukrainian capital, Kiev… Trump is doing everything he can to help Putin in his imperialist goals… Despicable.' This isn't Hašek's first rodeo when it comes to Putin and politics Hašek has been one of the most vocal global athletes speaking out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine since 2022. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Our one of a kind Patented Cold Water Extraction Process Superior Ginseng Undo He's labeled the war 'imperialist,' demanded bans for Russian athletes who stay silent, and directly criticized international sports organizations for giving Putin a platform. He even called out the NHL for 'cowardice' over its continued inclusion of Russian players, saying silence equals support. He says Trump's call emboldened Putin and now kids are suffering The latest drone strike wasn't just any attack, it was one of the largest assaults on Kyiv in months. According to Ukrainian authorities, 539 drones and 11 ballistic missiles were launched, causing massive destruction and multiple injuries, including children. For Hašek, that kind of horror isn't accidental, it's the consequence of weak leadership. 'Trump has proven more than once that he is indifferent to the Ukrainian people,' Hašek wrote. 'Despicable.' Things got darker: Russian officials reportedly threatened Hašek for speaking up Earlier this year, Hašek revealed that Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's former president had allegedly sent him death threats in response to his activism. In one chilling message, Medvedev reportedly hinted that Hašek should take his own life. The Czech government took it seriously. Prime Minister Petr Fiala publicly backed Hašek, condemning the threats and offering him protection. But instead of backing down, Hašek went louder, filing formal complaints and urging the IOC and NHL to stop giving Russia a global stage. This isn't just a former athlete popping off on social media. Hašek is leading a charge demanding accountability from sports leagues, politicians, and fans. He's not trying to win popularity points. He's calling Trump 'despicable.' He's calling Putin 'the biggest criminal of the 21st century.' And he's pushing the sports world to wake up and pick a side. Also read - Carolina Hurricanes fans react to Brent Burns' retirement with emotional tributes For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Kyiv shelled in war's biggest drone attack, after Trump-Putin call
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack 'deliberately massive and cynical', noting the first sirens blared as news came in of Putin and Trump's call read more An explosion of a drone lights up the sky over the city during a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Reuters Russia launched a large-scale drone attack on Kyiv, described as the biggest of the war so far, resulting in one fatality, injuries to at least 23 people, and widespread damage across the capital, officials said on Friday. The assault came just hours after a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Ukraine's Air Force, 539 drones and 11 missiles were used in the overnight attack. Air raid sirens, drone sounds, and explosions were heard from evening until dawn, while many residents took shelter in metro stations. Kyiv's military administration later reported that a body was recovered from one of the affected sites. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Outside a high-rise apartment block damaged by a drone, residents stood around surveying the scene as the clean-up job began. Some cried. Others looked on silently. 'I woke up to the sound of explosions, first the Shahed drones started buzzing, and then the explosions began,' said 40-year-old resident Maria Hilchenko. 'Then people started screaming outside. The explosions from the Shaheds kept coming.' Shahed drones are an Iranian design, a variant of which is now manufactured in Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack 'deliberately massive and cynical', noting the first sirens blared as news came in of Putin and Trump's call. Later on Friday Zelenskyy spoke to Trump and the pair agreed to work on increasing Kyiv's capability to 'defend the sky'. He added they discussed joint defence production, as well as joint purchases and investments. The U.S. has paused some deliveries of missiles amid concerns about low stockpiles. Kyiv officials said the attack damaged about 40 apartment blocks, passenger railway infrastructure, five schools and kindergartens, cafes and many cars in six of Kyiv's 10 districts. Poland said the consular section of its embassy was damaged in central Kyiv, adding that staff were unharmed. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said a Chinese component had been found in one of the Shahed drones attacking Kyiv, adding it had been found shortly after China's consulate in the southern city of Odesa suffered minor damage in a separate strike. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'What an irony,' Sybiha wrote on X. Russian airstrikes on Kyiv have intensified in recent weeks and included some of the deadliest assaults of the war on the city of three million people. Russia's Defence Ministry said drone factories, a military airfield and an oil refinery were among targets it struck in Kyiv with what it called high-precision weapons. Ukraine did not give details of any militarily valuable targets. Call for sanctions Trump said that the call with President Putin on Thursday resulted in no progress at all on efforts to end the war, and the Kremlin reiterated that Moscow would keep pushing to solve the conflict's 'root causes'. The decision by Washington to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances. Germany said it is in talks on buying Patriot air defence systems to bridge the gap. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On Friday, Zelenskyy called for increased pressure on Moscow to change its 'dumb, destructive behavior'. 'For every such strike against people and human life, they must feel appropriate sanctions and other blows to their economy, their revenues, and their infrastructure,' he said. Ukraine's Air Force said it destroyed 478 of the air weapons Russia launched overnight. Airstrikes were recorded in eight locations, with nine missiles and 63 drones, it added. Social media videos showed people running to seek shelter, firefighters fighting blazes in the dark and ruined buildings with windows and facades blown out. Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched with its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Thousands of civilians have been killed in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian. Many more soldiers are believed to have been killed on the front line, but neither side releases military casualty figures. Late on Thursday, Russian shelling killed five people in and near the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD