The presidents of United States and Russia are set to hold a telephonic conversation and there will be another round of talks on security next month. The phone call will be covering Ukraine and Moscow security demands from the west, this is going to be the second telephony conversation between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin in less than one month.

Ukraine Tensions: Biden and Putin phone call seeks diplomatic path forward

President Vladimir Putin is seeking security guarantees from the West in exchange for pulling back from Ukraine. Will Joe Biden agree to halt NATO's eastward expansion? Or will he push ahead with sanctions? Palki Shama tells you.

President Vladimir Putin seeks security guarantees from West

Amid surging European gas prices, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Nord Stream 2 undersea gas pipeline is ready and would help calm gas prices since it was ready for exports.

Russian President Vladimir Putin: Nord Stream 2 undersea gas pipeline is ready to calm rising gas prices

President Vladimir Putin is seeking security guarantees from the West in exchange for pulling back from Ukraine. Will Joe Biden agree to halt NATO's eastward expansion? Or will he push ahead with sanctions?

US President Joe Biden, counterpart Putin to speak on phone-call

Amid searching European gas prices, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Nord Stream 2 undersea gas pipeline is ready and would help calm gas prices since it was ready for exports.

Russian President Vladimir Putin: Nord Stream 2 undersea gas pipeline is ready to calm gas prices

Sphere mounts over a major military escalation in Ukraine Kiev's top security official has now claimed that Russian president Vladimir Putin is pretty much bent on destroying the country.

Kiev Security Supremo Warns Russia

Civil war that is presently underway in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian prime minister Abby Ahmed has said that the federal troops will not advance further in the war-torn region of Tigre to avoid an escalation of the conflict.

Tigray Conflict Has Displaced Millions

Ukraine's secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is determined to destroy Ukraine.

Ukraine's secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is determined to destroy Ukraine. However, he further added that there is no risk of an approaching invasion. While speaking to AFP, he said that Moscow's invasion could destabilise Ukraine. "Putin wants to destroy our country. Will he succeed? No, he will not," said Danillov. Our citizens will protect our country. We are going to protect our country. Full stop." As per Kiev's latest estimates, Russian troops along Ukraine's borders have surged from around 93,000 to 104,000 in a span of two months. As per Danilov, this is not a big surge. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated in mid-November after Washington warned of a massive Russian troop build-up on Ukraine's border. Putin was also accused of planning an invasion. Also read | Amid row with Ukraine, Russia tests Tsirkon hypersonic missile system Meanwhile, amid these tensions, Putin recently announced that the country's defence forces had test-launched the Tsirkon hypersonic missile system. "This morning, the Tsirkon hypersonic system was salvo-launched. This is our latest missile that can strike both naval and ground targets," President Putin said. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg had offered to start talks with Russian officials year next year without setting a date to discuss the situation in Ukraine. Earlier, Russia had submitted a document on security guarantying to NATO and the US highlighting its concerns. It further emphasised how the Western military alliance should not extend its influence in the east. (With inputs from agencies)

'Putin wants to destroy our country', says Ukrainian senior security official

Gravitas: Putin's ultimatum for Joe Biden

Russian President Vladimir Putin while speaking at the annual news press conference said that insulting&nbsp;Prophet Muhammad is a "violation of religious freedom and the violation of the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam."

The Russian president also spoke out against users posting photos of Nazis on sites dedicated to Russians who had died in World War II while explaining that such acts lead to reprisals like the Charlie Hebdo incident after cartoons of Prophet Muhammad were published by the magazine which later led to a terror attack on its&nbsp;office in Paris.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-make-ends-meet-putin-worked-as-a-cab-driver-after-the-fall-of-ussr-436422">Also Read:&nbsp;To make ends meet, Putin worked as a cab driver after the fall of USSR</a>

The Russian president reportedly said that artistic freedom should not infringe on other freedoms as he emphasised that Russians respect other religions.

Tensions between the West and Russia has&nbsp;been at its&nbsp;peak with thousands of Russian troops gathered at the border. President Putin during the press conference reiterated security guarantees from the US over Ukraine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-putins-red-line-what-is-russias-draft-treaty-on-security-guarantees-437995">Explainer: Putin's red line-What is Russia's draft treaty on security guarantees?</a>

In the press conference which lasted for nearly four hours, Putin said "this is not our choice," referring to conflict with Ukraine.

The Biden administration and the European Union have warned Putin's regime of "massive consequences" if it attacks Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-want-conflict-over-ukraine-but-nato-expansion-unacceptable-putin-439311">Also Read:&nbsp;Don't want conflict over Ukraine, but NATO expansion unacceptable, says&nbsp;Putin</a>

Amid the escalating tensions, Putin said security guarantees should be "immediate -now".

"They told us in the 1990s: not an inch to the East. What is the result? They cheated us. They simply impudently cheated us with NATO’s five waves of expansion," Putin alleged during the press conference.

The Russian president said his country hasn't "approached the borders of the United States or Britain" but "they have approached ours.".

"And now they say Ukraine will also be a NATO member. So, their weapon systems will emerge there," Putin asserted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin while speaking at the annual news press conference said that insulting Prophet Muhammad is a "violation of religious freedom and the violation of the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam.

Russian President Vladimir Putin while speaking at the annual news press conference said that insulting Prophet Muhammad is a "violation of religious freedom and the violation of the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam." The Russian president also spoke out against users posting photos of Nazis on sites dedicated to Russians who had died in World War II while explaining that such acts lead to reprisals like the Charlie Hebdo incident after cartoons of Prophet Muhammad were published by the magazine which later led to a terror attack on its office in Paris. Also Read: To make ends meet, Putin worked as a cab driver after the fall of USSR The Russian president reportedly said that artistic freedom should not infringe on other freedoms as he emphasised that Russians respect other religions. Tensions between the West and Russia has been at its peak with thousands of Russian troops gathered at the border. President Putin during the press conference reiterated security guarantees from the US over Ukraine. Explainer: Putin's red line-What is Russia's draft treaty on security guarantees? In the press conference which lasted for nearly four hours, Putin said "this is not our choice," referring to conflict with Ukraine. The Biden administration and the European Union have warned Putin's regime of "massive consequences" if it attacks Russia. Also Read: Don't want conflict over Ukraine, but NATO expansion unacceptable, says Putin Amid the escalating tensions, Putin said security guarantees should be "immediate -now". "They told us in the 1990s: not an inch to the East. What is the result? They cheated us. They simply impudently cheated us with NATO’s five waves of expansion," Putin alleged during the press conference. The Russian president said his country hasn't "approached the borders of the United States or Britain" but "they have approached ours.". "And now they say Ukraine will also be a NATO member. So, their weapon systems will emerge there," Putin asserted. (With inputs from Agencies)

Insulting Prophet Muhammad violation of religious freedom: Putin

As 2021 hurtles to its end, Is Russia getting ready for war in Ukraine? There remains a substantial build-up along Russia's border with Ukraine of forces but Vladimir Putin continues to insist Moscow doesn't seek conflict. The Russian president says he wants to avoid any violence with both Ukraine and the West.

Russian Prez Putin holds annual press meet, says 'doesn't want war, urges West to meet demands'

Russia getting ready for war in Ukraine now this is a question that has been worrying the west as of now and there has been a massive true build up along Ukraine's borders but if you go by what Vladimir Putin says his words say that Moscow doesn't want any kind of conflict with Ukraine according to the Russian president Moscow is trying to avoid any conflicts with both Ukraine and the West.

'Ball is in their court,' Putin blames West for growing Ukraine tensions | Annual Press conference

Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding an annual press conference. The focus primarily will be on the Russia-Ukraine border conflict and crackdown against political opponents and media.

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds annual press conference

Russian President Vladimir Putin held his first telephone conversation with the newly elected German chancellor Olaf Scholz. The conversation surrounded the rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin calls German chancellor Olaf Scholz for 'serious' security talks| Russia-Ukraine News

Tensions are simmering at the Ukraine border and in the latest remark, Russian president Vladimir Putin has blamed the West for escalating tensions across Europe and has stated that Russia will respond adequately to any western aggression.

'Will respond to aggression,' Putin blames West for escalating tensions | Russia-Ukraine tensions

Tensions continue to simmer between Russia and the West, amid possibilities of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the latest, the Western allies rejected Russia's attempt at thwarting Ukraine's ambition of joining the NATO alliance.

Russia demands negotiations with US, another round of Biden-Putin talks?

Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, their second virtual session this year, days after both the countries were left out of a democracy summit organised by US president Joe Biden.

Xi-Putin meet lined up after both Russia, China left out of Biden's democracy summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a video call on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations and international affairs, a summit that comes amid heightened tensions over Ukraine. WION brings in more on this.

Russia-China news | Putin, Xi hail ties amid tensions with West

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping to hold talks amid Ukraine border crisis

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a cab to supplement his income.

According to a state-run Russian news agency, the Russian leader stated in a documentary film, "Sometimes I had to make extra money."

Putin, a former KGB security agent, has previously expressed regret for the demise of the Soviet Union, but this time he again claimed the breakup three decades ago was still a "tragedy" for "most citizens."

He also said, "I mean, earn extra money by car, as a private driver. It’s unpleasant to talk about, to be honest, but, unfortunately, that was the case. "

The remarks were taken from an upcoming documentary film by Channel One titled "Russia: Its Recent History". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-the-collapse-of-the-soviet-union-is-chinas-nightmare-303386">Also read | Why the collapse of the Soviet Union is China's nightmare?</a>

As newly independent Russia transitioned from communism to capitalism, the dissolution of the Soviet Union brought with it a period of acute economic instability that pushed millions into poverty.

Putin, a devout supporter of the Soviet Union, was shocked when it disintegrated, calling it as "the greatest geopolitical calamity of the twentieth century."

Taxis were uncommon in Russia at the time, therefore many private persons would provide rides to strangers to make ends meet. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What does Vladimir Putin want from Biden?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-does-vladimir-putin-want-from-biden-434941/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Some people would even employ work vehicles as taxis, such as ambulances.

He did, however, work in the office of St Petersburg Mayor Anatoly Sobchak in the early 1990s.

He claims he resigned from the KGB during the August 1991 coup against Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, which resulted in the disintegration of the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

Putin's remarks came as detractors accuse him of plotting an invasion of Ukraine to resurrect the Soviet Union.

The Kremlin has dismissed the proposal as fearmongering by the West, claiming that Moscow would only strike its neighbour if Kyiv or another state provoked it.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a cab to supplement his income. According to a state-run Russian news agency, the Russian leader stated in a documentary film, "Sometimes I had to make extra money.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a cab to supplement his income. According to a state-run Russian news agency, the Russian leader stated in a documentary film, "Sometimes I had to make extra money." Putin, a former KGB security agent, has previously expressed regret for the demise of the Soviet Union, but this time he again claimed the breakup three decades ago was still a "tragedy" for "most citizens." He also said, "I mean, earn extra money by car, as a private driver. It’s unpleasant to talk about, to be honest, but, unfortunately, that was the case. " The remarks were taken from an upcoming documentary film by Channel One titled "Russia: Its Recent History". Also read | Why the collapse of the Soviet Union is China's nightmare? As newly independent Russia transitioned from communism to capitalism, the dissolution of the Soviet Union brought with it a period of acute economic instability that pushed millions into poverty. Putin, a devout supporter of the Soviet Union, was shocked when it disintegrated, calling it as "the greatest geopolitical calamity of the twentieth century." Taxis were uncommon in Russia at the time, therefore many private persons would provide rides to strangers to make ends meet. Watch | Gravitas: What does Vladimir Putin want from Biden? Some people would even employ work vehicles as taxis, such as ambulances. He did, however, work in the office of St Petersburg Mayor Anatoly Sobchak in the early 1990s. He claims he resigned from the KGB during the August 1991 coup against Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, which resulted in the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Putin's remarks came as detractors accuse him of plotting an invasion of Ukraine to resurrect the Soviet Union. The Kremlin has dismissed the proposal as fearmongering by the West, claiming that Moscow would only strike its neighbour if Kyiv or another state provoked it. (With inputs from agencies)

To make ends meet, Putin worked as a cab driver after the fall of USSR

US president Joe Biden and Russian president Vladimir Putin had a 'useful' meeting that allowed leaders to talk about the ongoing conflict over Ukraine.

Biden issues stern warning to Putin after 2-hour virtual summit

In an ever-changing world order, Russia has remained 1 of India's most dependable partners. The friendship has withstood the test of time and geopolitical churns. As Vladimir Putin visits New Delhi, Palki S Upadhyay decodes the past, present and future of India-Russia ties.

Gravitas Plus: India and Russia: A time-tested friendship

After months of heightened tensions and serious concerns, is Russia potentially planning to invade Ukraine? American president Joe Biden is now all set to hold talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, what is shaping to be a high-profile meet.

Biden and Putin's high-stakes meet to de-escalate Ukraine tensions

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a virtual meet today, the two leaders set to discuss the tense situation in Ukraine and more.

A 'secure' video call between Biden and Putin amid Ukraine invasion fears

US President Joe Biden is all set to dial his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin amid invasion fears by Russia in Ukraine. Through the video call, Biden will bat for a diplomatic route to resolve tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia remains in denial about any such invasion plans.

Biden to dial Putin amid Russia's alleged plans to invade Ukraine

Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin to hold high-profile meet amid concerns over Ukraine invasion

Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to visit India for the traditional annual summit between leaders of both countries as India gears up for the much anticipated, Modi-Putin talks. There are 10 bilateral agreements that are likely to be signed during Putin's visit to boost the nations' strategic partnership. Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest world news from all across the world. WION's correspondent Siddhant Sibal and international expert Stephen Golub joins for more inputs on the most-awaited meet.

What does Indo-Russian meet mean for United States and China? | Modi-Putin meet

Today, India and Russia will conduct their first '2+2' dialogue in the national capital, where they will address crucial topics to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The newly established 2+2 discussion mechanism between India and Russia will hold its maiden meeting at the level of defence and foreign ministries.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet for a meeting to discuss defence, trade and investment, energy, and technology.&nbsp; 
 
A detailed joint statement would be issued following the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev had stated on Saturday.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inaugural-india-russia-22-dialogue-to-take-place-today-434413">Also read | Inaugural India-Russia 2+2 dialogue to take place today</a> 
 
India, Russia set to ink AK-203 rifle deal

Under the 'Make in India' programme, India and Russia are expected to sign an agreement to produce 7.5 lakh AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Army.

The major attraction would be the AK-203 assault rifle deal.

The AK-203, which was created in Russia, will be manufactured in a new plant in Uttar Pradesh.

The specifics of the agreement have already been agreed upon in terms of quantity, pricing, and production method.

Over the course of ten years, 60,14,427 AK-203 rifles will be produced for India's armed services.&nbsp;

Watch | Putin-Modi bilateral meet today, defence ties to be discussed

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-modi-bilateral-meet-today-defence-ties-to-be-discussed-434479/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Itinerary and agenda&nbsp; 
 
PM Modi and President Putin will begin their summit talks at 5:30 p.m., according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while the Russian leader will depart from Delhi at 9:30 p.m.

The day will start with a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoygu, as part of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation.

Separately, S Jaishankar, the Indian External Affairs Minister, will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

At 11:30 p.m., the two countries' foreign and defence ministers will conduct a "2+2" discussion.

Before the 21st India-Russia summit, Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will meet one-on-one.

A banquet will also be held for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

(With inputs from agencies)

Today, India and Russia will conduct their first '2+2' dialogue in the national capital, where they will address crucial topics to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Today, India and Russia will conduct their first '2+2' dialogue in the national capital, where they will address crucial topics to further strengthen bilateral relations. The newly established 2+2 discussion mechanism between India and Russia will hold its maiden meeting at the level of defence and foreign ministries. In the meantime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet for a meeting to discuss defence, trade and investment, energy, and technology. A detailed joint statement would be issued following the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev had stated on Saturday. Also read | Inaugural India-Russia 2+2 dialogue to take place today India, Russia set to ink AK-203 rifle deal Under the 'Make in India' programme, India and Russia are expected to sign an agreement to produce 7.5 lakh AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Army. The major attraction would be the AK-203 assault rifle deal. The AK-203, which was created in Russia, will be manufactured in a new plant in Uttar Pradesh. The specifics of the agreement have already been agreed upon in terms of quantity, pricing, and production method. Over the course of ten years, 60,14,427 AK-203 rifles will be produced for India's armed services. Watch | Putin-Modi bilateral meet today, defence ties to be discussed Itinerary and agenda PM Modi and President Putin will begin their summit talks at 5:30 p.m., according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while the Russian leader will depart from Delhi at 9:30 p.m. The day will start with a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoygu, as part of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation. Separately, S Jaishankar, the Indian External Affairs Minister, will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. At 11:30 p.m., the two countries' foreign and defence ministers will conduct a "2+2" discussion. Before the 21st India-Russia summit, Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will meet one-on-one. A banquet will also be held for Russian President Vladimir Putin. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to visit India on Monday for the traditional annual summit between leaders of both countries as India gears up for the much anticipated, Modi-Putin talks. There are 10 bilateral agreements that are likely to be signed during Putin's visit to boost the nations' strategic partnership. Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest world news from all across the world.

India and Russia expected to sign 10 pacts, first 2+2 meet between two nations

Putin-Modi bilateral meet today, defence ties to be discussed

With heated exchanges between the US and Russia due to heavy concentration of troops on the Ukraine border, scheduled for talks between the two countries, Russia’s growing dependency on China due to sanctions from the West, and Indian tilt towards the US with inclusion in Quad, the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India on 06 December 21, appears to be viewed differently by different world players.&nbsp;

Even in domestic debates, the public anger due to Chinese intrusion in Ladakh and the growing partnership of Russia and China, indicates that the visit is sensitive in the context of international geopolitical scenario; hence will require a delicate strategic balancing including the text of the joint statement, if issued at the end of the visit.&nbsp;

Notwithstanding the above, the visit is a scheduled 21st India-Russia Annual Summit, which couldn’t take place earlier due to coronavirus pandemic. There are many justified reasons to continue with the ‘Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty (1971)’ matured into ‘Strategic Partnership (2000)’, which has stood the test of time till date, even during ongoing rough relations between China and India.&nbsp;

Why Russia matters to India despite Chinese embrace?

Despite the Indian effort for Atma Nirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing and SIPRI indicating a significant 33 per cent decrease in import of military hardware by India in recent years, it remains heavily dependent on Russian technology, maintenance, procurement of hardware and spares. For many decades Russians have been collaborating with India in its indigenous manufacturing programs and were amenable to the transfer of technology, which India was finding difficult to get from others.&nbsp;

It includes some major systems like nuclear-powered submarines, warships/frigates, nuclear reactors, space programmes and flagship projects like Brahmos.&nbsp;

The impending visit, besides deal to commence indigenous manufacturing of AK 203 Kalashnikov rifles, may see some forward movement in collaboration in manufacturing (including transfer of technology of very short-range air defence missile systems (VSHORADS), twin-engine helicopters to replace Cheetah and Chetak, up-gradation of inventory of MIG-29 and Sukhoi aircraft.&nbsp;

S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system which India had signed in 2018 for $5.43 billion is a done deal, and the threat of CAATSA is unlikely to have any impact on the delivery schedule. It was chosen because it was most suitable for Indian requirements at that point in time.&nbsp;

There are also speculations of approximately ten agreements to be signed between the two countries, which could include the reciprocal exchange of logistics Agreement and 10-year military-technical agreement, besides Two plus Two dialogue to strengthen the existing strategic partnership.&nbsp;

While the US may be amenable to a waiver on CAATSA for S-400, in view of the common China challenge, but further deals may create some new friction points in the strengthening of Indo- US relations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a strategic context, Russia continues to be a favourable P5 member in the UN and continues to support India in various multilateral organisations like the UN, SCO, BRICS on crucial issues. It is a technological powerhouse, with one of the largest producers of military hardware, producing rugged equipment suited for a variety of terrain, where Indian forces operate.&nbsp;

While its nearness to China, its discomfort with Indian embrace to Quad, growing Indo-US partnership, and hardware sale to Pakistan, forces some of the opinion-makers in India to suggest divorcing Russia in favour of the US, but such opinions are marred by impracticality, ignorance of Indian hardware dependency on Russia and its track record of reliability of its partnership with India.&nbsp;

In its revised Military Strategy document Russia continues to name India as its partner along with China and has not delayed/defaulted on any hardware support to India, even during the standoff with China. The interest of both countries also coincides regarding concerns on the export of terror after the Taliban’s takeover of &nbsp;Afghanistan and resultant humanitarian crisis, which will certainly be a subject of discussion and may find some mention in a joint statement.&nbsp;

Reality of Sino-Russian Embrace

The much-publicised Sino-Russian embrace by Chinese media and Russian acceptance to go along has been due to economic compulsions due to increasing sanctions from the West, common adversary US branding both as competitors in security strategy documents. Objectively an expansionist, aggressive China seeking Sino-centric world order does suit Russia as well, which is looking for multilateral world order.&nbsp;

Chinese BRI has already side-lined the Eurasian dream, its technological theft like alleged hypersonic technology proliferation and increasing border claims in the previously settled border with Tajikistan are not to Russian liking.&nbsp;

Russia has made no commitment to back China’s misadventure in the South China Sea/Himalayas and China has also not made any commitment on Ukraine borders. Reiterating India as a strategic partner may be Moscow’s message to US and Beijing both. It is, however, impractical to expect Russia criticising China or Pakistan or India discussing the Ukraine issue during this visit, due to peculiar geopolitical equations, and Russians need for strategic and economic balancing.&nbsp;

Strategic Balancing by India

India and US have a commonality of Interest in most issues including tackling China, which has pushed India to become an important global strategic partner of the US, by its aggressive designs. There is a congruence of interest in most global issues between US and India in the current geo-strategic equation.&nbsp;

India stands with US and Quad in the context of Indo-Pacific and facing China challenge. India continues to do its best to respond to sensitivities and concerns of the US, at times risking some of its old relationships like Iran.&nbsp;

To accommodate US interest India reduced the import of oil from Iran, bearing a cost disadvantage, as Iran oil was being imported in Rupee terms, in crude form and attuned to existing refineries in India. India doesn't seem to be repeating the same mistake with Russians, who haven't done anything bilaterally which demands a divorce in mutual relationship. Moreover, the military capacity building of India also adds to the collective strength of Quad, which is in the collective interest.

Lately, India is trying to be self-reliant, as well as diversifying procurement from various countries including the US, France, Israel.&nbsp;

In the last decade, the defence procurement from Russia has gradually reduced from over 65 per cent approximately to nearly 49 per cent and correspondingly increased in favour of the US, Israel and France.&nbsp;

There is a noticeable upward trend in the purchase of US military hardware, as the year 2020 alone saw a purchase of $3.4 billion worth of US military equipment, indicating enough accommodation by India.&nbsp;

In a buyers' market, US has competitors to include Russia, Israel and France, and every country will make the sovereign choice to pick the best deal including India. India has also made a modest beginning in exporting 38000 crore Rupees worth of military equipment, as a step towards self-reliance, seeking the support of all the partners. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

With heated exchanges between the US and Russia due to heavy concentration of troops on the Ukraine border, scheduled for talks between the two countries, Russia’s growing dependency on China due to sanctions from the West, and Indian tilt towards the US with inclusion in Quad, the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India on 06 December 21, appears to be viewed differently by different world players.

With heated exchanges between the US and Russia due to heavy concentration of troops on the Ukraine border, scheduled for talks between the two countries, Russia’s growing dependency on China due to sanctions from the West, and Indian tilt towards the US with inclusion in Quad, the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India on 06 December 21, appears to be viewed differently by different world players. Even in domestic debates, the public anger due to Chinese intrusion in Ladakh and the growing partnership of Russia and China, indicates that the visit is sensitive in the context of international geopolitical scenario; hence will require a delicate strategic balancing including the text of the joint statement, if issued at the end of the visit. Notwithstanding the above, the visit is a scheduled 21st India-Russia Annual Summit, which couldn’t take place earlier due to coronavirus pandemic. There are many justified reasons to continue with the ‘Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty (1971)’ matured into ‘Strategic Partnership (2000)’, which has stood the test of time till date, even during ongoing rough relations between China and India. Why Russia matters to India despite Chinese embrace? Despite the Indian effort for Atma Nirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing and SIPRI indicating a significant 33 per cent decrease in import of military hardware by India in recent years, it remains heavily dependent on Russian technology, maintenance, procurement of hardware and spares. For many decades Russians have been collaborating with India in its indigenous manufacturing programs and were amenable to the transfer of technology, which India was finding difficult to get from others. It includes some major systems like nuclear-powered submarines, warships/frigates, nuclear reactors, space programmes and flagship projects like Brahmos. The impending visit, besides deal to commence indigenous manufacturing of AK 203 Kalashnikov rifles, may see some forward movement in collaboration in manufacturing (including transfer of technology of very short-range air defence missile systems (VSHORADS), twin-engine helicopters to replace Cheetah and Chetak, up-gradation of inventory of MIG-29 and Sukhoi aircraft. S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system which India had signed in 2018 for $5.43 billion is a done deal, and the threat of CAATSA is unlikely to have any impact on the delivery schedule. It was chosen because it was most suitable for Indian requirements at that point in time. There are also speculations of approximately ten agreements to be signed between the two countries, which could include the reciprocal exchange of logistics Agreement and 10-year military-technical agreement, besides Two plus Two dialogue to strengthen the existing strategic partnership. While the US may be amenable to a waiver on CAATSA for S-400, in view of the common China challenge, but further deals may create some new friction points in the strengthening of Indo- US relations. In a strategic context, Russia continues to be a favourable P5 member in the UN and continues to support India in various multilateral organisations like the UN, SCO, BRICS on crucial issues. It is a technological powerhouse, with one of the largest producers of military hardware, producing rugged equipment suited for a variety of terrain, where Indian forces operate. While its nearness to China, its discomfort with Indian embrace to Quad, growing Indo-US partnership, and hardware sale to Pakistan, forces some of the opinion-makers in India to suggest divorcing Russia in favour of the US, but such opinions are marred by impracticality, ignorance of Indian hardware dependency on Russia and its track record of reliability of its partnership with India. In its revised Military Strategy document Russia continues to name India as its partner along with China and has not delayed/defaulted on any hardware support to India, even during the standoff with China. The interest of both countries also coincides regarding concerns on the export of terror after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan and resultant humanitarian crisis, which will certainly be a subject of discussion and may find some mention in a joint statement. Reality of Sino-Russian Embrace The much-publicised Sino-Russian embrace by Chinese media and Russian acceptance to go along has been due to economic compulsions due to increasing sanctions from the West, common adversary US branding both as competitors in security strategy documents. Objectively an expansionist, aggressive China seeking Sino-centric world order does suit Russia as well, which is looking for multilateral world order. Chinese BRI has already side-lined the Eurasian dream, its technological theft like alleged hypersonic technology proliferation and increasing border claims in the previously settled border with Tajikistan are not to Russian liking. Russia has made no commitment to back China’s misadventure in the South China Sea/Himalayas and China has also not made any commitment on Ukraine borders. Reiterating India as a strategic partner may be Moscow’s message to US and Beijing both. It is, however, impractical to expect Russia criticising China or Pakistan or India discussing the Ukraine issue during this visit, due to peculiar geopolitical equations, and Russians need for strategic and economic balancing. Strategic Balancing by India India and US have a commonality of Interest in most issues including tackling China, which has pushed India to become an important global strategic partner of the US, by its aggressive designs. There is a congruence of interest in most global issues between US and India in the current geo-strategic equation. India stands with US and Quad in the context of Indo-Pacific and facing China challenge. India continues to do its best to respond to sensitivities and concerns of the US, at times risking some of its old relationships like Iran. To accommodate US interest India reduced the import of oil from Iran, bearing a cost disadvantage, as Iran oil was being imported in Rupee terms, in crude form and attuned to existing refineries in India. India doesn't seem to be repeating the same mistake with Russians, who haven't done anything bilaterally which demands a divorce in mutual relationship. Moreover, the military capacity building of India also adds to the collective strength of Quad, which is in the collective interest. Lately, India is trying to be self-reliant, as well as diversifying procurement from various countries including the US, France, Israel. In the last decade, the defence procurement from Russia has gradually reduced from over 65 per cent approximately to nearly 49 per cent and correspondingly increased in favour of the US, Israel and France. There is a noticeable upward trend in the purchase of US military hardware, as the year 2020 alone saw a purchase of $3.4 billion worth of US military equipment, indicating enough accommodation by India. In a buyers' market, US has competitors to include Russia, Israel and France, and every country will make the sovereign choice to pick the best deal including India. India has also made a modest beginning in exporting 38000 crore Rupees worth of military equipment, as a step towards self-reliance, seeking the support of all the partners. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Putin visiting India: Is it strategic balancing?

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