Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s visit to Russia (11-13 November, 2003) was significant not only from the angle of formal bilateral relations but more importantly for the vision of a more just world order. The major focus of the Prime minister’s visit was described as strategic partnership between the two countries. However, the partnership is clearly determined by shared political visions rather than by mutual benefits that exhaust between them only. Russia has been a traditional ally of India. Yet, it is the convergence of interests on crucial issues of world politics that has been the backbone of the relationship.

The contextual background of the latest visit may be seen in the problems in Iraq and Afghanistan. Opposition to unilateral actions in the region and concerns over growing religious fundamentalism in world affairs has forged common goals between the two countries. Both countries are also faced with threats to their territorial integrities from separatist movements.

A brief assessment of the Indo-Russian after the Vajpayee visit could be as follows:

·         On the Kashmir dispute, it has been made clear that Russia endorses the Indian position. Russia will not be swayed by Pakistan’s anti- Indian propaganda. Nor would Russia back Pakistani efforts of introducing third party mediation. This assurance commands significance given the speculation that the Russian president might put pressure on India after recent contacts between Russia and Pakistan. Instead, Russia praised recent Indian initiatives toward normalization of relations.

·         On terrorism, the two countries have resolved to work together in the fight against international terrorism and the violence of religious fanaticism. The joint declaration issued at the end of the visit puts at the center of common interest terrorism, narcotics trafficking and organized crime. Russian opposition to cross- border terrorism has been made obvious in the document

·         On defence cooperation, the much talked about Admiral Gorshkov deal has not been finalized but is expected in the coming two or three months. It may be recalled here that the recent successfully tested Brahmos missile, the world’s first supersonic cruise missile, was jointly developed by India and Russia. About 70 per cent of Indian military equipment has Russian origins. Cooperation in this field has been described by Vajpayee as “a long standing and mutually beneficial character”.

·         On scientific and technological cooperation, Russia is for lifting the ban on nuclear deals with India. It has expressed on former occasions that Russia is interested in building 2-4 blocs at Kundakulam Nuclear Power Station in Tamil Nadu. It is reported that the two countries are presently cooperating in about 120 directions and about 300 projects have been implemented within the programme of long term technical cooperation since 1987.

·         On trade and investment, Vajpayee has underlined the “need to broad-base investment flows” and for “the establishment of commercial branches of banks in each other’s countries”. After phasing out of the rupee-rouble trade, it has been decided to introduce trading in hard currency from 2004. At a meeting attended by about 100 Indian businesspersons, it was stressed to give a new impetus to a sagging bilateral trade of about 1.5 billion US dollars. An article by Dr. Mikhail M Mgeladze, Consulate General of Russia in Chennai, describes the India as “a guaranteed market” of highly competitive machine technical production for power generation, metallurgy, mining, oil and gas as well as “a potential market” for Russian airplane industry and leasing of new aircraft etc.

·         On the emerging world order, both the countries have denounced a “double standard” in the war against terrorism. The two leaders signed a joint declaration on “Global Challenges and Threats to World Security and Stability” and have set up a joint working group to implement the measures which include denying sanctuaries to terrorists, and cutting off funding to groups that promote the terror network. More significant is the reference that the United Nations should play the leading role in the fight against terror.

·         The strategic triangle between Russia, China and India (first suggested by the then Russian premier Yevgeny Primakov four years ago) has been much anticipated. However, it continues to exist more in the conceptual domain rather than in concrete plan. The comfort is provided by a growing public opinion in the respective countries that looks up to the concept as having the potential to reestablish multipolarity in the world affairs.

The visit concluded with a lot of goodwill and optimism on both sides. It has been described as a “substantive” visit. The Days of Russian Culture in India will be reciprocated by Days of Indian culture in Russia enforcing people to people contact between the two countries. While Russia commended India for its peace efforts with Pakistan, Vajpayee thanked Russia for its “consistent and strong support” to India’s campaign against terrorism. The outcome of the visit has proved that for long lasting relations, it is more important to evolve common interests and outlook of the international system than mere hobnobbing like Pakistan did.