Russia continues to be among India’s major politico-diplomatic and defence partner nations. Watershed eventsUntil 1990-91, India and Russia — the main constituent of (the erstwhile) Soviet Union — had enjoyed robust trade ties. In the following two-and-a-half decades, Russia remained India’s strong politico-diplomatic and defence partner like the erstwhile Soviet Union used to be. However, since 1990-91, India’s trade underwent further diversification and Russia is now not anywhere near the top in the list of India’s trade partners. This slippage in trade is a huge demotion for Russia, considering that the erstwhile Soviet Union was among India’s leading trade partners.

Source: The Hindu April 09, 2017 15:22 UTC