The Hindu : Reaffirming a partnership

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Nov 17, 2003

Opinion

Opinion - Editorials

Reaffirming a partnership

INDIA AND RUSSIA took a step towards re-establishing multipolarity in international politics by reaffirming their longstanding strategic partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This is of special relevance in an international context in which the United States has exploited concerns over the menace of terrorism to further its hegemonistic ambitions. The two countries signalled that they would not allow the U.S. to harness their resources for the achievement of this aim. In insisting that the fight against terrorism should be based on rules of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, they distanced themselves from Washington's policy of tacking the terrorist label on to a country that it wants to attack for other reasons. The two countries refrained from any pointed criticism of U.S. actions in Iraq even as they left no doubt that they wanted a swift end to the illegal occupation. They proposed that a concrete and time-bound action plan be drawn up under the aegis of the U.N. so that Iraq's sovereignty could be restored as early as possible. While India had not subscribed to Washington's policy on the issue, it had refrained from lining up with Russia and other countries that were firmly opposed. Mr. Vajpayee hinted at a preparedness to shed this inhibition by making oblique references to the positions taken by two sets of "big countries". The Prime Minister reiterated the point that given its own requirements and interests, India had no troops to spare for deployment in Iraq and his statement should end all speculation on this matter.

The two countries opposed Washington's tendency to concentrate the `global campaign against terror' solely on manifestations of what concerned it. They insisted that the campaign against terror should be uniform, comprehensive, continuous and multi-faceted. They urged that confidence be built among members of the anti-terror coalition by giving due consideration to the interests of each of them. Russia agreed with India's view that Pakistan must stop cross-border terrorism and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure on territory under its control before a meaningful dialogue could be started. At the same time, it expressed appreciation and support for the Vajpayee Government's peace initiative and called on Pakistan to respond positively. In the process President Vladimir Putin put to rest the speculation that he had evolved a new formulation on the Kashmir issue after talks with his Pakistani counterpart a few weeks ago. In turn, India reiterated its support for Russia's efforts to protect its territorial integrity and constitutional order in Chechnya.

The strategic partnership between India and Russia was kept intact even as the international order underwent a tremendous transformation at the end of the Cold War. The two countries have also discovered that their enduring ties have a new relevance. However, content has to be added to the partnership if it is to realise its full potential in the international arena. Linkages in the field of defence are not likely to atrophy at any time in the near future as Russia is by far the preferred source for India's military purchases. A serious effort to boost scientific exchanges was made during the Prime Minister's visit, with the two countries considering plans for cooperation in the exploration of Outer Space. However, the lack of progress towards the enhancement of economic ties is a matter of concern. Both Governments appear to have realised that an economic relationship based on trade in select commodities does not have much of a future. They need to encourage their business houses to invest in the economy of the other so as to give the political relationship a firmer footing.

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