India-Russia & Israel Relations
International Relations · भारत-रूस और इजरायल संबंध · 19 facts
India-Russia: 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership'; one of India's most enduring bilateral relationships.
S-400 Triumf deal: India purchased 5 units for $5.5 billion; delivery started 2021; risked US CAATSA sanctions but India went ahead.
Approximately 60% of India's defence equipment is of Russian/Soviet origin; India is diversifying but Russia remains major supplier.
BrahMos Missile: Supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India (DRDO) and Russia; range 290-800 km; can be land/sea/air launched.
India and Russia are both members of BRICS and SCO — providing common platforms for cooperation beyond bilateral relations.
Rosneft acquired Essar Oil (Vadinar refinery, Gujarat) for $12.9 billion in 2017 — the largest FDI in Indian history at that time.
Rupee-Ruble trade: India and Russia trade in national currencies to bypass US dollar sanctions imposed after Ukraine war.
Russia-Ukraine War (2022): India abstained on UN votes condemning Russia; continued buying Russian oil at discounted prices; balanced approach.
India-Israel diplomatic relations established in 1992; became significant after Cold War; both face similar security challenges.
Israel is India's top arms supplier; supplies drones, missile defense systems, surveillance equipment, and small arms.
India-Israel agricultural cooperation: Israeli drip irrigation technology has transformed Indian agriculture, especially in arid regions.
Operation Ajay 2023: India evacuated over 1000 Indians from Israel after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
India balanced its Israel-Palestine position: India supports Israel's right to self-defense but also supports Palestinian statehood.
I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA, 2022): New quadrilateral focusing on joint investments in food security, clean energy, and infrastructure.
Abraham Accords (2020): UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco normalized relations with Israel; changed Middle East dynamics; benefited India's regional links.
Indian diaspora in West Asia: 10+ million Indians in Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman); remittances over $30 billion/year.
Vande Bharat Mission (2020): India evacuated 6.7 million Indians from COVID-affected countries worldwide — largest evacuation in Indian history.
India's Iran relations: India is a major buyer of Iranian oil; Chabahar Port project — strategic access to Afghanistan/Central Asia bypassing Pakistan.
INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor): India-Iran-Russia route for trade; reduces transport cost and time between Mumbai and Moscow.