India's multi-alignment tested as ties with Russia and the West pull apart

The brief in 6 cards

1. Note1 / 6

   WHY IN NEWS?

   • A Hindu opinion piece examines strains in India's "balancing act" between Russia and the West.
   • It cites India's reported endorsement of the 2026 Bishkek Declaration of the SCO, which condemned attacks on Iran.
   • It also cites the Prime Minister's public appeal to President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war.
   • The writer argues these moves may look inconsistent to partners on both sides.
   • The piece asks whether India can deepen ties with the US without losing Russia's trust.
2. Note2 / 6

   WHY RUSSIA STILL MATTERS

   • Defence: Russia supplied 40% of India's major arms imports in 2021–25, down from about 70% in 2011–15, according to SIPRI.
   • Platforms: Much of India's military, from Su-30MKI jets to S-400 air defence, depends on Russian spares and support.
   • Energy: Discounted Russian crude has become a large share of India's oil imports since 2022.
   • Nuclear power: Russia is India's partner at Kudankulam.
   • Eurasia: Russia is a link to Central Asia and a fellow member of BRICS and the SCO.
3. Note3 / 6

   KEY CONCEPTS

   1. What is multi-alignment?

   It means working with several powers at once on different issues, rather than joining one bloc. India sits in the Quad with the US and in BRICS and the SCO with Russia and China.

   2. How does it differ from non-alignment?

   Non-alignment during the Cold War meant staying out of both blocs. Multi-alignment means engaging all sides actively for national interest.

   3. What is strategic autonomy?

   It is a country's freedom to decide policy on its own terms, without being dictated to by any partner.

   4. Why does the trade gap matter?

   India buys far more from Russia than it sells, mainly oil. Payment curbs under sanctions make settling this trade harder.

4. Note4 / 6

   PSIR LENS

   This card applies political science frameworks to the debate.

   • Realism: States pursue power and security. India hedges between Russia and the US because no single partner meets all its needs.
   • Hedging theory: Middle powers spread their bets to avoid dependence and keep options open, at the cost of some trust.
   • Liberal institutionalism: Forums like BRICS, the SCO and the Quad let India build ties through rules and routine dialogue.
   • Constructivism: Trust rests on shared identity and consistent signals. Mixed messages can erode a long partnership.
   • Indian tradition: Scholars link multi-alignment to Nehru's non-alignment, now adapted to a multipolar world.
5. Note5 / 6

   THE RISKS

   These points are the writer's argument.

   • Perceived double standards: Publicly urging peace on one conflict while staying quiet on others can weaken credibility.
   • Russia–China closeness: Moscow's growing dependence on Beijing may reduce India's leverage.
   • Defence transition: Diversifying suppliers reduces risk but raises costs and integration problems.
   • Sanctions: Payment barriers complicate trade and defence deals.
   • West Asia: India must balance ties with Iran, Israel and the Gulf at the same time.
6. Note6 / 6

   WAY FORWARD

   These are the writer's suggestions, not adopted policy.

   • Be consistent in applying international law and sovereignty principles.
   • Build at home through domestic and joint defence production.
   • Rebalance trade by raising exports of medicines, engineering goods and farm produce to Russia.
   • Keep talking through annual summits and regular consultations.
   • Stay autonomous: Work with the West without needlessly alienating Moscow.

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