India walking on a diplomatic tightrope? 

New Delhi is in a dilemma.Russia is India's biggestdefencepartnerand the USis a key partner in the Indo-Pacific.So far,India has carefully built an independent relationship with both countries.But as the friction between the Kremlin and the White House increases,India is walking a diplomatic tightrope.

Kremlin,a cold war allyandWhite Houseisan Indo-Pacific partner.

One has been a critical source of military equipmentandthe other is crucial for safeguarding strategic interests.In maintaining one partnership,India has been careful not to damage the other.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

It has enjoyed an independent relationship with both MoscowandWashington.

This has been the state of play for several years.But the US-Russiaacrimony is entering a new phase.

A new president is in the White Houseandhe is trying to distinguish himself from his predecessorand assertAmerica'splace in the world.

Words have been flying like missilesandin this growing friction between the two super-powers,India faces the real test.Which way will it tilt?So far,New Delhi has successfully struck a balance.InFebruary,India'sforeign secretary travelled to Moscow for atwo-day visit.In March,USdefencesecretaryLloydAustinvisitedIndia.

Now,the US climate envoy John Kerryis in New Delhiand so is Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.India is actively engaged with both countriesbut one bargain hangs above India-US ties like the sword ofdemocracies.

The S-400 deal!New Delhi's decision to purchase this anti-aircraft missile system from Russiahas raised the risk of US sanctions.Americahas imposed sanctions on Turkey for a similar deal with Russia.

The delivery in India is due in Decemberand the Pentagon has not indicated that it won't impose sanctions on India.

On the other hand,Moscow's biggest worry isIndia'sgrowing security ties with theUS.Prime Minister Modi attended the first-ever Quad summit last month.Signs of discomfort have surfaced at Kremlin.

Russia along with China is proposing a new regional security bloc aimed at countering any US-led blocs.

It already seems to be laying the groundwork.

Lavrov will be visiting Islamabad after his India visit.This will be the first such visit by a Russian Foreign Minister in nine years.So,the challenge before India is quite complexand it comes at a crucial time.

Right across the Himalayas,Chinese still pose a significant threat toIndia'ssecurity.New Delhi will have to choose wisely.It will have to ask serious questions about American reliability in the face of this potent threatand align its approach in the Indo-Pacific in a way that does not damage the Delhi-Moscow dynamics.As the stakes go higher,the balancing act will only become tougher for India.