Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

The burgeoning strategic partnership between Russia and China is a significant development with profound implications for global power dynamics.

• As these two major powers deepen their cooperation across various domains, including military, economic, and diplomatic spheres, the international landscape is undergoing a profound transformation.

Body

Implications of the Growing Russia-China Strategic Partnership for Global Power Dynamics:

• Challenge to US-led Global Order: The Russia-China partnership presents a significant challenge to the US-led global order, potentially accelerating the shift towards a multipolar world.
  • The joint Russia-China naval exercises in the Baltic Sea in 2017 signaled their growing military cooperation and willingness to project power far from their borders, directly challenging NATO's influence in the region.
• Economic integration and Alternative Financial Systems: Russia and China are working to reduce their dependence on the US dollar and Western-dominated financial systems.
  • The development of alternatives to SWIFT, such as China's Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) and Russia's System for Transfer of Financial Messages (SPFS), demonstrates their efforts to create parallel financial structures less vulnerable to Western sanctions.
• Technological Cooperation: Increased collaboration in high-tech sectors, including 5G, artificial intelligence, and space exploration, could accelerate technological advancements in both countries.
  • Huawei's involvement in developing Russia's 5G network, despite US pressure on its allies to exclude the Chinese company, showcases the deepening technological ties between the two nations.
• Energy Partnership: Strengthened energy cooperation between Russia and China affects global energy markets and geopolitics.
  • The Power of Siberia pipeline, not only strengthens energy ties between the two countries but also reduces Russia's dependence on European markets.
• Diplomatic Alignment: Increased coordination in forums (like BRICS, SCO) and on global issues can reshape diplomatic dynamics.

Navigating India's Relationships with Russia and China:

• Maintain strategic autonomy: India should continue its policy of strategic autonomy, balancing its relationships with Russia, China, and the West without aligning exclusively with any bloc.
  • India's participation in both the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) demonstrates its ability to engage with seemingly opposing groups to serve its national interests.
• Leverage Economic Opportunities: India should seek economic benefits from both countries while safeguarding its own interests.
  • India's continued oil imports from Russia despite Western pressure, and its participation in Chinese-led initiatives like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), show its pragmatic approach to economic engagement.
• Strengthen Defense Partnerships: Maintain and enhance defense ties with Russia while diversifying sources of military equipment.
  • India's purchase of the S-400 missile defense system from Russia, alongside growing defense cooperation with the US, illustrates its balanced approach to defense partnerships.
• Enhance Regional Partnerships: Strengthen ties with other regional powers to create a more balanced Asian power dynamic.
  • India's "Act East" policy and growing partnerships with countries like Japan, Australia, and Vietnam help create a counterweight to China's influence in the region.

Conclusion

The growing Russia-China strategic partnership presents both challenges and opportunities for India. By maintaining its strategic autonomy, leveraging economic opportunities, strengthening defense partnerships, engaging in multilateral forums, addressing border issues, enhancing regional partnerships, focusing on domestic capacity building, and playing a mediating role where possible, India can effectively navigate its relationships with these two powers while advancing its own interests in the evolving global order.