Gurugram (Haryana) [India], December 1 (ANI): As India prepares to host Russian President Vladimir Putin, former Indian Ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra has described the visit as a reaffirmation of the “long-standing, deep-rooted and multifaceted partnership” between the two nations, highlighting New Delhi’s strategic autonomy amid shifting global geopolitics.
In an interview with ANI, Malhotra emphasized that the visit reflects India’s independent foreign policy decisions, driven by national interest rather than external pressures. He noted that India’s approach today rests on strategic autonomy and multi-alignment, engaging with global powers based on its own interests rather than bloc politics, while advocating for a multipolar, polycentric world order.
Against the backdrop of US political changes and tariff measures, Malhotra argued that diversified international partnerships strengthen India’s position. He said, “A transactional Washington increases the value of diversified ties,” noting that unilateral US tariffs are often imposed outside the WTO framework and that India must pursue solutions to maintain balanced relations with both Russia and the US.
Defence cooperation, he added, remains central to India-Russia relations, with decades of joint design, research, and production of advanced systems. Malhotra stressed the importance of indigenization and self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in defence: “We cannot talk of strategic autonomy if a large proportion of our sophisticated defence requirements are imported. Becoming more self-sufficient is the right approach.” He highlighted a pragmatic evaluation of new acquisitions, considering technology transfer, costs, spares, and long-term autonomy, particularly for advanced platforms like fifth-generation fighters.
Malhotra also pointed to deep energy cooperation, noting Indian investments in Russia of about USD 18 billion, alongside Russian investments in India. While US sanctions complicate some decisions, he emphasized that India’s primary consideration should remain its national interest, advocating for dialogue and exemptions where necessary.
Regarding the Ukraine conflict, Malhotra was clear: India has no direct role in the war but hopes for a peaceful resolution. He welcomed recent US-Russia diplomatic exchanges and stated that India should support such initiatives without unsolicited mediation. “Only if we are asked should we play a role,” he said, underscoring India’s principle-based diplomacy.
With both the US and Russia as key partners, Malhotra argued that a cooperative resolution between the two powers would benefit India. For now, he stressed the importance of encouraging dialogue and diplomacy, allowing the major powers to work toward peace.
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