Why are Russia and India growing closer despite US opposition?

Indian PM meets Russian President

The Soviet Union used to be vital in India's international strategy and in any event, when it (Soviet Union) broke down, the significance of Russia in India's eyes remained practically something similar.

During the Cold War, when the world was split between the Soviet Union and the United States, India was philosophically near the Soviet Union, regardless of its impartiality.

Meanwhile, in 1971, there was a 13-day war between India and Pakistan. East Pakistan became Bangladesh after the crisis created by the human tragedy in East Pakistan. Large numbers of migrants were coming to India from East Pakistan and there was no hope of a political settlement between East and West Pakistan.

Around then the Soviet Union was the main country that was paying attention to India. In August 1971, the then Prime Minister of India "Indira Gandhi" denoted the India-Soviet Treaty of Peace,Cooperation and Friendship.

Under the agreement, the Soviet Union assured India that it would provide military and diplomatic assistance to India in the event of war.

Moscow has been a reliable ally of India, on the other hand, in the same period, the United States has been giving importance to Pakistan over India.

When the crisis arose in East Pakistan, India ignored the United States. Analysts say then-US President Richard Nixon and National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger saw Pakistan as a key partner in boosting ties with China.

But the friendship between India and Russia did not begin in 1971, but even under Nehru, the Soviet Union was helping India on many fronts.

In recent days, relations between Russia and India have once again become so heated that, according to experts, the Modi government has ignored the United States.

On December 6 this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India. The visit was hailed by observers of Putin's foreign policy.

India's right decision

Why did India not boycott the Winter Olympics like the other three quad countries when India was embroiled in a border dispute with China? "It's a sign of support or opposition," says Harsh Pant, a professor of international relations at King's College London. Athletes from countries that have announced boycotts are leaving, not just diplomatic delegations. Before that no one even knew that such delegations go.