Growing Russia-China ties: Does India need to worry?

The recent developments in the relations between Russia, India and China may puzzle a casual observer of regional politics, but a keen analysis throws light as to how relations, whether bilateral and multilateral, in the evolving world order cannot be viewed through fragments but through a wider perspective.

There has been a substantial increase in cooperation between Russia and China in various sectors. Both countries are now jointly conducting one of the biggest naval exercises and next month they will be conducting exercises on Urals Mountains to counter terrorism. China has also signed a massive deal with Russia to procure arms and ammunition.

India-Russia relations have also witnessed growth in recent months. Whether it is cooperation in the field of nuclear energy or space exploration, or arms and armaments (including the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya), or collaboration in the field of cyber security, the relations have witnessed growth despite hitches. During his visit to Vladivostok early this month to attend meeting on cyber security, India’s national security advisor met his Russian counterpart and deliberated on the theme of post-2014 Afghanistan.

Hot topic: BRICS

A question that is often on the minds of Indian analysts and the general public is whether India needs to worry about the growing relationship between China and Russia. During one of his interviews November last year, Russia’s Ambassador to India, Alexander Kadakin, emphasised that the rising relations of Russia with other countries need not be seen through a negative prism or in a zero sum game framework. Though he sought to address India’s concerns about Russia’s relations with Pakistan, his argument is equally applicable to India’s concerns about rising Russia-China relations. His views are relevant and particularly so when the three countries have played crucial roles in shaping the world order. There are bilateral differences undoubtedly, but as Kadakin pointed out these differences should not cloud the commonalities of interests among the three countries. He rightly observed in his November interview, “The more we cooperate with the RIC (Russia-India-China) format, the better it will be for the world.”

Bilateral differences between the countries are varied, among which border disputes stand out prominently. China shares long borders with Russia as well as India. In 2004, Russia under the leadership of Vladimir Putin took a friendly gesture in settling territorial disputes including disputes over some islands on the Amur River. Both the countries have settled their border issue amicably. In case of India and China, the border differences follow topsy-turvy path which at times appear calm and at times chaotic with accusations of violation of Line of Actual Control (LAC – the official name of border), originally drawn in 1914 under the aegis of the British rulers of India.

Putting behind 1962 war with China

The LAC, also called MacMohan line, has been considered unjust by China. The 1962 war between the two countries and the subsequent bonhomie between China and India’s rival Pakistan have further contributed to sour relations. As a result, despite good economic relations between the two countries the reports of border skirmishes, twice in last three months, have surfaced.

Referring to Indian reports of border intrusion in May this year, Ambassador Kadakin termed the whole development “unfortunate.” He said, “Things that happened between both the countries (India and China) were very unfortunate. It is very good that both the countries sorted out the issues without any force but with negotiations.” Perhaps India and China need to take a leaf from Russia in managing the border conflict. Kadakin ruled out prospects of Russian mediation between the two as both can solve the issue bilaterally. He further observed, “We always want to see India and China as friends.”

The visit of Indian Defence Minister A K Antony to China after the border flare-up, and also the meeting between the national security advisors between the two countries sought to address the tense relations between the countries. The idea of a border management mechanism in the form of Border Defense and Cooperation Agreement can prove effective in that direction. To enhance camaraderie between the three countries and strengthen the strategic triangle, Russia may use friendly relations with India and China and nudge them to sort out differences on border. Even if that does not amount mediation, that would certainly add to Russia’s profile as a peacemaker among the three countries and strengthen the strategic triangle

Bilateral differences actually fall pale in comparison to common stakes all the three countries have in the evolution of a multi-polar global order. As members of BRICS (at the centre of which stands RIC), the three countries have shown tremendous promise as to how the group can play an effective role in shaping global order. Whether it is conflict in Syria or in Afghanistan, or the issues of terrorism or religious extremism, or the reform of international bodies, the group has played significant roles and hold potentials to address contentious issues in Eurasia and beyond. Any weakening of relations between these countries will not only contribute to fragility of the triangle, but also weaken the prospects of the rise of a just and fair world.

Dr. Debidatta Aurobinda Mahapatra is an Indian commentator. His areas of interests include conflict, terrorism, peace and development, Kashmir, South Asia, and strategic aspects of Eurasian politics.

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