What Russia-China ties mean for India's security, Pg15

Key Highlights:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing shortly after US President Donald Trump's visit, highlighting China's central role in global diplomacy.
• Russia seeks China's economic support and strategic relevance, while the US aims to improve strained relations.
• China and Russia declared a “no-limits” partnership in 2022, just before Russia's war with Ukraine.
• In 2025, Russia's total trade value was about $700 billion, with about $228 billion (32%) with China.
• The Putin-Xi summit resulted in a joint statement and over 40 agreements covering various sectors.

Detailed Insights:

• Historically, Russia-China relations have shifted from imperial interactions to Soviet cooperation and post-Soviet strategic partnerships.
• The Sino-Soviet schism in the 1960s, due to ideological differences and refusal of nuclear technology transfer, led to armed clashes in 1969.
• Following Western sanctions, Russia has become heavily dependent on China, with trade increasingly conducted in yuan and ruble, signaling de-dollarization.
• Despite deepening cooperation, a formal military alliance between Russia and China is unlikely due to fears of entrapment in unwanted conflicts.
• India's traditional strategy of balancing relations between the US and Russia is challenged as both countries seek closer ties with China.
• New Delhi may need to explore alternative strategies for its continental security and balance, given the evolving dynamics between the US, Russia, and China.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Hegemony: Leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others.
• Multipolar World Order: A global system where power is distributed among multiple centers.
• De-dollarisation: The process of reducing the dominance of the US dollar in international trade.