India’s long infatuation with Russia must end

NEW DELHI – Throughout a parliamentary debate in April, I expressed my issues about India’s relationship with Russia. My phrases have been met with grim-faced silence. However the occasions of the final 5 months or so have solely strengthened my case.

The controversy was on the Ukraine conflict. Whereas deploring India’s reluctance to name a Russian shovel a spade, I acknowledged that India has traditionally relied on the Kremlin for protection provides, spare components and appreciated Russia’s long-standing help on very important points like Kashmir and border tensions with China and Pakistan. However the Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions had weakened Russia significantly, I famous. The ban on semiconductor chips, for instance, had considerably eroded its means to provide superior electronics and protection items that kind the idea of India’s dependence.