Russia-India Relations in the Post Cold War Era: The China Factor

Ajay K Singh

After the end of the Cold War, US emerged as the sole super power. The world is now witnessing the growth of many power centers and a truly multi-polar world is emerging and the US even though it remains the world’s biggest economy, its power is declining. But with the rise of China, the power transition between US and China is explicitly visible. US is no longer able to check Chinese aggressive military and economic policies alone and it needs partners and allies. The growing India-US relations can be seen in this context. But, India seeks to maintain its time tasted relation with Russia, without impacting on its growing partnership with US. The convergence of interests has brought Russia and China together to oppose US hegemony and to bring multi-polarity. This renewed Russia-China rapprochement has created both challenges and opportunities for India.

This monograph explains how historical legacy has created mistrust in Russia-China and India-China relations. In the case of Russia-India relations, it has played a positive role in deepening their relationship in the post Cold War era. Also the geographical contiguity of Russia and India with China has provided a constant factor to collaborate India and Russia for sustainable peace in Asia. This monograph also examines the China factor in Russia-India relations in the context of today’s multi-polar world and in the context of multilateral engagements which throws many challenges and opportunities for India.

Ajay Kumar Singh is a Ph D scholar in Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, is doing research on the subject “Russia-India relations in 21st century”. His publications include a paper on “India, China and Asian Security” in the special edition titled “India and Neighbours” in World Focus, vol. xxxvi, no.08 (August 2015).The author observes that in the post-Cold War era, the convergence of interests has brought Russia-China together to oppose US hegemony and to bring multi-polarity. This renewed Russia-China rapprochement has created both the challenges and opportunities for India which are identified by the author.

Contents

Abbreviations

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1. Russia-China Relations in the Post-Cold War Era

2. India-China Relations in the Post-Cold War Era

3. The China Factor in Russia-India Relations in the Post-Cold War Era

4. Conclusion

Bibliography

Index

Ajay K Singh