Vantage | What do Russia's Indian Ocean military drills mean for India?

Russian president Vladimir Putin appears confident and in control as the West’s attempts to isolate him and Ukraine’s struggles to reclaim territory have proven unsuccessful. Now, Russia is doubling down on its efforts, exploring new frontiers and expanding its military presence particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Russian military in India’s backyard The Russian military has significantly increased its presence in the Indian Ocean deploying more ships and conducting extensive drills. This expansion began in November with the largest-ever naval exercise in modern history, a joint venture with Myanmar in the Andaman Sea. Subsequently, Russian warships anchored in Bangladesh for the first time in 50 years, emphasising the importance of military exercises as a strategic milestone. In pursuit of a foothold in the Indo-Pacific, Russia is not only engaging in joint drills but also actively pursuing a military base in Port Sudan, a gateway to the Indian Ocean. This base is expected to host 300 Russian troops and up to four naval ships signalling Russia’s strategic ambitions in the region. Russia’s actions in the Indo-Pacific serve dual purposes. Firstly, they send a strong message to critics amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine asserting that Russia’s military capabilities remain robust and unaffected. Simultaneously, these drills demonstrate Russia’s strength on multiple fronts reinforcing its combat readiness. Long-term strategic objectives Beyond immediate messaging, Russia has long-term goals in the Indo-Pacific. The region holds significant strategic value due to key trade routes and being a battleground for major powers like the United States and China. Russia’s increased military engagement is an attempt to challenge the West, showcase regional alliances and secure its position in a region of growing importance. For India, traditionally a close partner of Russia, these moves present a dilemma. While Russia remains a key defence and oil supplier to India, its growing proximity to China is evident. Russia’s joint drills with China and Iran in the northern Indian Ocean highlight a complex web of alliances. India must exercise caution as Russia’s increasing dependence on China could impact the delicate balancing act New Delhi has maintained. As Russia strategically expands its presence in the Indo-Pacific, the region becomes a focal point for global power dynamics. The West faces a resilient Russia, while India navigates a challenging situation where its historic partnership with Russia intersects with the growing influence of China. The Indo-Pacific emerges as a theater of geopolitical significance where nations must carefully navigate alliances and prepare for potential shifts in the geopolitical landscape. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.