USI-HSE SEMINAR RUSSIA INDIA RELATIONS IN AN UNSECURE WORLD

1	1730 – 1800 h	Welcome Tea and Registration
2	1800 – 1810 h	Welcome Remarks – Maj Gen RS Yadav, VSM (Retd) Director CS3, USI
3	1810 – 1820 h	Introductory Remarks – Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd) Director General, USI	Moderator on Indian Side
4	1820 – 1830 h	Introductory Remarks – Dr Victoria Panova, Vice Rector, HSE University, Head of BRICS Expert Council, W20 Russian Sherpa	Moderator on Russian Side
5	1830 – 1845 h	‘Russia as a Euro-Pacific Power in New Global Order’ - Prof Artyom Lukin
6	1945 – 1900 h	‘Salience of India in Russia’s Pivot to Asia’ - Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, IFS (Retd)
7	1900 – 1915 h	‘Prospects of Russia - India Relations in the current Geo-Political Milieu’ - Mr Danil Shcherban
8	1915 – 1925 h	‘Salience of Indo-Russian Security Cooperation in Emerging Global Order’ - Vice Admiral Satish Soni, PVSM, AVSM, NM (Retd)
9	1925 – 1935 h	‘Russian Cooperation in Atmanirbhar Bharat’ - Maj Gen Pawan Anand, AVSM (Retd)
10	1935 – 2010 h	Open House (including Concluding Remarks by the Moderators)
11	2010 – 2015 h	Vote of Thanks – Maj Gen RS Yadav, VSM (Retd) Director CS3, USI
12	2015 h onwards	Dinner

Group Photograph

Key takeaways:

In the current global scenario, characterised by the US and the West's efforts to maintain dominance, countered by China’s aspirations for global prominence, uncertainty prevails. This has prompted nations to seek a ‘middle path’ towards multipolarity. Russia’s historical and geo-strategic significance in its engagement with western countries, amidst challenges like NATO expansion and regime changes, underscores its strategic pivot to Asia. India and Russia, with their longstanding relationship, are well placed to enhance ties. Strengthening cooperation and exploring new areas of collaboration could pave the way for more stable future.

There is a convergence of strategic interests between India and Russia, highlighting the importance of bilateral cooperation in defence and trade industries. Both countries are exploring opportunities in disruptive technologies and fostering a revitalisation of perceptive dialogue. To ensure vibrancy and resilience in the evolving geopolitical dynamics, India and Russia need to reassess emerging limits and challenges to their relationship. The reassessment should focus on individual interests and sovereign development.

Discussion between USI- HSE

China's prolonged role in economic partnerships has shown significant growth, yet certain sectors dominate, indicating a need for diversification, and investment structure. The BRICS group can be seen as a potential influencer in global governance and security, with a focus on security management.

The military power dynamics on the Korean Peninsula are heavily influenced by North Korea's nuclear capabilities, and South Korea's strategic significance underlining the importance of international alliances and partnerships in shaping regional military security for enhanced stability. Despite the absence of a formal military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, efforts are on to secure Russia's contribution in supplying military support to North Korea.

India's Arctic policy exemplifies inclusivity, contrasting sharply with potentially aggressive approaches of other nations. It emphasises India's commitment to contribute positively to Arctic research and development, highlighting the importance of India-Russia cooperation in maintaining maritime security and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.

The global landscape is shifting towards localisation, empowering smaller players in technology and the economy. However, perception and information sharing can lead to actions that diverge from reality. In this context, revitalising people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges is imperative for India-Russia relations, which stand at a critical juncture, demanding proactive strategies to uphold historical trust and friendship amidst evolving global and regional dynamics

Report by: Dalvi Sethi, Research Intern, CS3 USI

Group photograph

Token of appreciation

Report by Dalvi Sethi, Research Intern, CS3

UNITED SERVICE INSTITUTION OF INDIA