RUSSIA INVESTS IN INDIAN MARKETS WIN WIN SITUATION FOR INDIA

 In 2022, India’s oil imports from Russia exploded after Western sanctions.

Result?
Russia now earns $60B+ in annual trade surplus with India.

But here’s the twist…

*They get paid in rupees, which they can’t easily use back home.*

So Russia had two bad options:
•Let rupees sit idle (₹ depreciation risk)
•Buy low-yield Indian bonds

But instead Putin just took the smartest third option:

*Buy the Indian stock market.*

What looks like an ETF launch… is actually a ₹5 lakh crore geopolitical hack.

Let’s decode the genius of India-Russia’s Nifty ETF deal

Here’s what just happened:

*Russia’s SBER bank Asset Management launched a Nifty50 ETF for Russian investors.*

This means:
•Rupees from trade are invested in Indian equities
•Russian citizens get growth exposure
•Indian markets get long-term FII inflows

No middlemen. No forex conversion. No dependency on the dollar.

Just direct equity recycling.

But this isn’t just an ETF. It’s a financial missile aimed at 3 targets:

1. *Kill the Dollar Loop*

Normally, countries park trade surpluses in US treasuries (like China has $860B+ there).

But this ETF breaks that cycle.

Russia won’t hold US bonds. It’ll hold Indian companies.

This isn’t de-dollarisation theory. It’s de-dollarisation execution.

2. *Make Indian Markets the New Global Magnet*

Until now, most foreign equity inflows came via:
•U.S. ETFs
•Eurozone banks
•Singapore/Mauritius routes

Now? An Asian military superpower is directly pumping capital into Indian equity indices.

3. *Stabilise Rupee Without RBI Burning Reserves*

Every time there’s an oil surge or dollar volatility, RBI sells forex to protect INR.

But now?

Russia is absorbing rupee surpluses voluntarily by buying equity.

*This reduces pressure on RBI and gives INR a stealth boost.*

What does Bharat get from this?

Everything.

● Long-term patient capital
● Strategic insulation from Western capital outflows
● A stronger case for INR-based global trade
● ETF-driven demand for India’s top 50 companies

*This isn’t capital inflow. It’s geopolitical alignment in financial form.*

And for Russia?

It’s genius.

● Converts stuck rupees into productive, growing assets
● Lets ordinary Russians participate in Indian growth
● Diversifies risk away from volatile oil markets

*They’re not just selling oil. They’re buying the future.*

But here’s the silent winner:

*Indian retail investors.*

Why?

Because more ETF inflows → higher demand for Nifty stocks → better liquidity → upward pressure on index → rising SIP wealth for millions.

*Without spending a single rupee, the middle class just got a global growth partner.*

And this is just the beginning.

Tomorrow:
•BRICS may open more mutual market access
•Russia may buy Indian infra bonds next
•Other countries with rupee reserves (like UAE, Malaysia) might follow

India’s capital markets could become the global recycling centre for trade surpluses.

In one move, India just:

● Unlocked stuck Russian rupees
● Deepened INR-RUB bilateral trust
● Gained passive FII inflows
● Showed the world a new surplus strategy

India is turning into the Wall Street of the Global South.

This is not just a masterstroke.

It’s a template.

And Bharat is 5 steps ahead.

*India gets growth. Russia gets returns. Rupee gets stronger.*

*Everyone wins. Except the old global system.* 

Detailed Analysis: China's Demographic Crisis and Policy Response

 

The assertion that China's One-Child Policy has been a disaster and that the government is attempting to reverse population decline is largely accurate. However, the specific measure mentioned—deciding not to tax condoms and anti-abortion pills—is incorrect based on recent reports; the policy change is actually the imposition of a Value-Added Tax (VAT) on these items, a move intended to discourage their use and boost birth rates.²

Here is a detailed analysis of China's demographic situation and the effectiveness of its recent policy pivots.

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1. The Demographic Reality: A Deepening Crisis

The context provided is supported by official data, which confirms a continuous population reduction and a severe demographic crisis.

• Population Decline: China's total population has been declining for the third consecutive year (as of reports from late 2025/early 2026, referencing 2024 data).³ The decline in 2024 was around 1.39 million people.
• The Root Cause: The One-Child Policy's Legacy: Implemented from 1979 to 2015, the policy created fundamental, long-term problems that current incentives cannot easily fix:
• Low Fertility Rate: Decades of messaging and policy established a cultural norm of small families.⁵ The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to one of the world's lowest (around 1.15 children per woman in 2024, far below the replacement level of 2.1).
• Aging Population: With fewer births and increased longevity, the proportion of elderly citizens (65 and over) is rapidly increasing, placing immense strain on the social security and healthcare systems and creating a shrinking workforce (the old-age dependency ratio is rising steeply).
• Gender Imbalance: A cultural preference for male children, exacerbated by the one-child rule, led to a skewed sex ratio at birth, resulting in a deficit of marriageable women today.

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2. Analysis of the Policy Response (Imposing Tax on Contraceptives)

The key point in the user's prompt is factually inverted. The most recent reports suggest that China is moving to impose a 13% VAT on contraceptive drugs and devices, including condoms, which had previously been exempt for over 30 years.

Policy Action (Reported)	User's Premise
Imposing a 13% VAT on contraceptives (condoms, pills) and devices.	Deciding NOT to tax (i.e., tax cut/exemption) on condoms and anti-abortion pills.

Will Imposing a Tax on Contraceptives Stop the Population Decline?

The overwhelming expert consensus is: No, it will not be effective and is likely counterproductive.

• Addressing the Wrong Barrier: The primary factors deterring young Chinese couples from having children are economic and social, not the availability or price of contraceptives.
• Cost of Child-Rearing: Raising a child to age 18 in China is estimated to be one of the most expensive in the world relative to income.¹⁰
• Career Pressure: Women face significant workplace discrimination and lack of adequate, affordable childcare.
• Shifting Priorities: Young adults, many of whom are only children themselves, prioritize their careers, personal financial stability, and self-fulfillment over starting large families in a competitive, slow-growth economy.
• Symbolic vs. Practical Impact: Demographers view the tax change as largely symbolic, meant to signal a major policy pivot—to discourage birth control and create a social environment that encourages childbirth.¹³ However, a small price increase on contraceptives is unlikely to override the massive financial and social burdens of having a child. As one online commenter reportedly stated: "If someone can't afford a condom, how could they afford raising a child?"
• Potential Negative Consequences (Public Health): Raising the price of contraceptives, particularly condoms, carries a significant public health risk.Experts worry it could lead to:
• Increased Unintended Pregnancies: Potentially increasing the very abortions the government is trying to discourage.
• Spread of STIs/HIV: As the rate of HIV infections has been a growing concern in China, increasing the cost of barrier protection is seen as a poorly considered approach from a public health perspective.¹⁶

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3. Conclusion

China's population decline is an acute crisis, the culmination of decades of a restrictive birth policy coupled with the natural demographic shift that accompanies rising incomes and urbanization.

The policy to impose tax on contraceptives is highly unlikely to stop the decline. It addresses the symptoms (birth control usage) rather than the root causes (cost, childcare, career equity).

The Chinese government's more substantive, though still insufficient, measures to encourage births include:

• Cash incentives for newborns and multiple children.
• Expansion of parental leave.
• Tax exemptions for child-care services (which, ironically, are being paired with the new tax on contraceptives).

The demographic challenge is deeply structural, requiring massive, long-term, and expensive investment in social welfare, gender equality in the workplace, and affordable public services like childcare and education, far beyond the impact of a tax on contraceptives.

ऑपरेशन सिंदूर ब्रिगेडियर हेमंत महाजन पुस्तक प्रकाशन सोहळा ,नवी मुंबई ,गुजरात भवन सभागृह ,सेक्टर 15 वाशी न्यू बॉम्बे 12 डिसेंबर संध्याकाळी सात वाजता

 

सिंदूर' हे नावच भावनिक आहे! ते केवळ कपाळावरचे कुंकू नाही, तर ते भारतीय स्त्रीच्या, सौभाग्याचे, घराच्या मांगल्याचे आणि पतीच्या दीर्घायुष्याचे प्रतीक आहे. पहलगाम येथील दहशतवादी हल्ल्यात अनेक महिलांचे सिंदूर पुसले गेले. 'ऑपरेशन सिंदूर' हे त्या वेदनेचे, त्या संतापाचे आणि पुसल्या गेलेल्या प्रत्येक सिंदूरला न्याय देण्याच्या राष्ट्रीय संकल्पाचे नाव ठरले.

भारताने 'ऑपरेशन सिंदूर'ने काय साध्य केले आणि भारताचा शस्त्रसंधीचा निर्णय योग्य होता का? यावर सखोल विश्लेषण करणार आहेत ब्रिगेडिअर हेमंत महाजन.

ऑपरेशन सिंदूर' मध्ये भारतीय सैन्याने 9 दहशतवादी तळांवर अचानक आणि अचूक हल्ला करून दहशतवाद्यांचे मोठे नुकसान केले. त्यानंतर पाकिस्तानने भारतावर केलेल्या ड्रोन आणि क्षेपणास्त्र हल्ल्यांना 'अँटी एअरक्राफ्ट डिफेन्स सिस्टिम' च्या मदतीने यशस्वी रीत्या निष्फळ ठरवण्यात आले. भारताने केलेल्या पुढील प्रतिहल्ल्यामुळे पाकिस्तानच्या 11लष्करी विमानतळांवर प्रचंड नुकसान झाले. परिणामी, पाकिस्तानला भारताकडे युद्धविरामासाठी विनंती करावी लागली.

भारताने 'ऑपरेशन सिंदूर'ने काय साध्य केले आणि भारताचा शस्त्रसंधीचा निर्णय योग्य होता का? यावर सखोल विश्लेषण करणार आहेत ब्रिगेडिअर हेमंत महाजन.

आजच्या काळात तंत्रज्ञान महत्त्वाचे असले तरी, जमिनीवरचा अंतिम विजय हा फक्त आणि फक्त सैनिकांच्या शौर्यावर, धैर्यावर, धाडसावर आणि नेतृत्वावर अवलंबून असतो. 4 पॅरा स्पेशल फोर्सने  'ऑपरेशन महादेव'मध्ये हे सिद्ध केले की, आपले वीर काश्मीर वाचवण्यासाठी कोणत्याही टोकाला जाण्यास तयार आहेत. 'ऑपरेशन महादेव' अंतर्गत  '4 पॅरा स्पेशल फोर्सेस'ने अखेरीस 28 जुलै रोजी पहलगामला हिंदू पर्यटकांची हत्या करणाऱ्या दहशतवाद्यांना कंठस्नान घातले. पहलगाममध्ये सांडलेल्या अश्रूंना अखेर न्याय मिळाला.

युक्रेन चे राष्ट्रपती Zelenski भारतामध्ये येण्याची शक्यता यामुळे रशिया य...

📰 पुतिन यांच्या भेटीनंतर झेलेन्स्की आता नवी दिल्लीला येणार का? युक्रेनच्या राष्ट्राध्यक्षांचे २०२६ मध्ये भारतात यजमानपद होण्याची शक्यता: अहवाल

व्लादिमीर पुतिन यांच्या अलीकडील भारत भेटीनंतर, युक्रेनचे राष्ट्राध्यक्ष वलोडिमिर झेलेन्स्की यांच्या जानेवारी २०२६ मधील संभाव्य भेटीबद्दल चर्चा सुरू झाली आहे. रशिया-युक्रेन संघर्षादरम्यान भारताचा सुरू असलेला मुत्सद्दी समतोल साधण्याचा हा प्रयत्न आहे.

रशियाचे राष्ट्राध्यक्ष व्लादिमीर पुतिन यांचा नुकताच दोन दिवसांचा भारत दौरा संपल्यानंतर, नवी दिल्ली आता युक्रेनचे राष्ट्राध्यक्ष वलोडिमिर झेलेन्स्की यांच्या संभाव्य भेटीची तयारी करत आहे.

'द इंडियन एक्सप्रेस'च्या अहवालानुसार, राष्ट्राध्यक्ष झेलेन्स्की जानेवारी २०२६ मध्ये लवकरच भारताला भेट देऊ शकतात.

पुतिन यांच्या भेटीनंतर जवळजवळ एका महिन्याने झेलेन्स्की यांची नियोजित भेट, रशिया-युक्रेन युद्धात दोन्ही पक्षांशी संलग्न राहण्याच्या नवी दिल्लीच्या प्रयत्नांशी सुसंगत असेल. जुलै २०२४ मध्ये, पंतप्रधान नरेंद्र मोदी पुतिन यांना भेटण्यासाठी मॉस्कोला गेले होते. त्यानंतर एक महिन्याने, ऑगस्टमध्ये त्यांनी युक्रेनला भेट दिली आणि झेलेन्स्की यांची भेट घेतली.

घडामोडींशी परिचित असलेल्या लोकांचा हवाला देत, अहवालात म्हटले आहे की भारतीय आणि युक्रेनियन अधिकारी अनेक आठवड्यांपासून चर्चा करत आहेत आणि पुतिन भारतात येण्यापूर्वीच नवी दिल्लीने झेलेन्स्की यांच्या कार्यालयाशी संपर्क साधला होता.

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भारताचा रशिया-युक्रेनवरील संतुलित दृष्टिकोन

रशिया-युक्रेन युद्धावरील भारताची भूमिका संतुलित राहिली आहे: भारत शांतता, संवाद आणि सार्वभौमत्वाच्या आदराची मागणी करतो, पण कोणत्याही बाजूने उभे राहणे टाळतो.

पंतप्रधान नरेंद्र मोदी यांनी गेल्या आठवड्यात पुतिन यांच्या भेटीदरम्यान सांगितले की भारत या युद्धात "तटस्थ नाही" आणि शांततेसाठी उभा आहे. परराष्ट्र व्यवहार मंत्री एस. जयशंकर यांनी वारंवार सांगितले आहे की हिंसाचार थांबला पाहिजे, मुत्सद्देगिरी हाच पुढे जाण्याचा एकमेव मार्ग आहे आणि भारत शांततेसाठी योगदान देण्यासाठी कटिबद्ध आहे.

तथापि, अहवालानुसार, प्रस्तावित भेटीची वेळ अनेक घटकांवर अवलंबून असेल, ज्यात अमेरिकेचे माजी राष्ट्राध्यक्ष डोनाल्ड ट्रम्प यांच्या शांतता योजनेची प्रगती आणि रणांगणावरील परिस्थिती यांचा समावेश आहे. राष्ट्राध्यक्ष झेलेन्स्की यांच्या सरकारवर एका मोठ्या भ्रष्टाचारामुळे दबाव असताना, युक्रेनचे देशांतर्गत राजकारण देखील भूमिका बजावू शकते.

हे देखील वाचा | फ्रेंच, जर्मन आणि यूकेचे नेते सोमवारी झेलेन्स्की यांना भेटणार

गेल्या वर्षी ऑगस्टमध्ये, पंतप्रधान मोदींनी युक्रेनचे राष्ट्राध्यक्ष झेलेन्स्की यांच्या निमंत्रणावरून युक्रेनला भेट दिली होती. १९९२ मध्ये दोन्ही देशांमध्ये मुत्सद्दी संबंध प्रस्थापित झाल्यापासून भारतीय पंतप्रधानांची युक्रेनला ही पहिलीच भेट होती.

पंतप्रधान मोदींच्या युक्रेन भेटीनंतर जारी केलेल्या संयुक्त निवेदनात म्हटले आहे की, दोन्ही नेत्यांनी भविष्यात द्विपक्षीय संबंधांना व्यापक भागीदारीतून धोरणात्मक भागीदारीपर्यंत उंचावण्यामध्ये समान स्वारस्य व्यक्त केले.

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ऑगस्टमध्ये युक्रेनियन दूताने काय म्हटले होते?

या वर्षी ऑगस्टमध्ये, युक्रेनचे राजदूत ऑलेक्झांडर पॉलिशचुक यांनी सांगितले होते की पंतप्रधान मोदींनी झेलेन्स्की यांना भारताला भेट देण्यासाठी आमंत्रित केले आहे आणि दोन्ही देश भेटीची "निश्चित तारीख निश्चित करण्याचा प्रयत्न करत आहेत."

"भारतीय पंतप्रधानांनी झेलेन्स्की यांना भारतात येण्याचे निमंत्रण दिले आहे. दोन्ही बाजू यावर काम करत आहेत. राष्ट्राध्यक्ष झेलेन्स्की भारतात नक्कीच येतील अशी आम्हाला अपेक्षा आहे," असे पॉलिशचुक यांनी २३ ऑगस्ट २०२५ रोजी युक्रेनच्या राष्ट्रीय ध्वज दिनानिमित्त पत्रकारांशी बोलताना सांगितले होते.

पंतप्रधान मोदींनी गेल्या वर्षी सप्टेंबरमध्ये न्यूयॉर्कमध्ये युक्रेनचे राष्ट्राध्यक्ष वलोडिमिर झेलेन्स्की यांच्यासोबत पुन्हा द्विपक्षीय बैठक घेतली होती.

भारत या युद्धात 'तटस्थ नाही' आणि शांततेसाठी उभा आहे.

आतापर्यंत, युक्रेनने तीन वेळा राष्ट्राध्यक्षांना भारतात पाठवले आहे - १९९२, २००२ आणि २०१२ मध्ये.

The Dynamics of India-Russia Relations: Chinese Reactions and Strategic Implications

 Introduction

The recent two-day visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India was marked by significant discussions and agreements that promise to enhance cooperation between the two nations across various sectors. These sectors include defense, trade, economic collaboration, cyber security, technology transfers, nuclear cooperation, energy security, and arms trade. Notably, this deepening relationship has elicited strong reactions from China, which perceives the strengthened India-Russia ties as a potential threat to its regional hegemony and strategic interests. This article delves into the various dimensions of India-Russia cooperation and analyzes the resultant Chinese reaction, exploring the implications for the geopolitical landscape in Asia.

Strengthening India-Russia Cooperation

Defense Cooperation

Defense has historically been a cornerstone of India-Russia relations. Recent agreements have seen India making significant investments in Russian military hardware, including aircraft, naval vessels, and missile systems. This cooperation not only enhances India’s defense capabilities but also serves as a counterweight against increasing Chinese military assertiveness in the region.

Economic and Trade Relations

India and Russia have been working towards diversifying their economic ties, moving beyond traditional sectors to include trade in agriculture, technology, and pharmaceuticals. The removal of trade barriers and the facilitation of investments are expected to boost mutual trade, which aligns with India’s aim to grow its economy while reducing dependency on Chinese imports.

Diplomatic Engagement

On the diplomatic front, both nations continue to support each other in international forums. Their shared interests in regional stability and countering unilateral actions by Western powers provide a solid foundation for their strategic partnership. This cooperation allows India to navigate complex geopolitical challenges more effectively.

Cyber Security and Technology Transfers

In an era where cyber threats are ubiquitous, India and Russia have acknowledged the necessity of collaboration in cyber security. Joint ventures in technology transfer not only bolster India’s capabilities in cybersecurity but also ensure that India can independently operate and develop sophisticated technologies, thereby reducing reliance on Chinese tech.

Nuclear and Energy Security

Nuclear cooperation is another vital aspect of India-Russia ties. The ongoing projects, including the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, illustrate how India is diversifying its energy sources while fostering strong ties with Russia. Additionally, energy security remains a pivotal concern for both nations as they seek to mitigate the impacts of global energy fluctuations influenced by competition with China.

Arms Trade Dynamics

India is one of the largest importers of arms in the world, and Russia has historically been its main supplier. Recent deals reflect an ongoing commitment to modernizing India’s military capabilities while simultaneously providing Russia with a crucial market amidst its geopolitical isolation. The arms trade not only serves to enhance India's security but also signifies a deep trust in the India-Russia partnership.

Chinese Reaction to Improved India-Russia Cooperation

Media Narratives and Propaganda

China's official media, notably the Global Times, has been vocal in expressing concerns over the enhanced India-Russia relationship. Through a series of articles, the narrative has been crafted to portray such cooperation as a challenge to China's influence in Asia. The messaging often emphasizes the potential for an arms race in South Asia, framing India’s military modernization as a direct threat to regional stability.

Social Media and Public Sentiment

Chinese netizens have also reacted strongly on social platforms. Discussions often coalesce around themes of insecurity and caution regarding the implications of a more militarily capable India. Meanwhile, analysts and commentators emphasize the need for China to fortify its own military and diplomatic strategies in response to what they characterize as an evolving “Indo-Russian Axis”.

Strategic Implications

China perceives the escalating India-Russia partnership not merely as a bilateral issue but as a potential reconfiguring of power dynamics in Asia. The strategic implications are multifaceted:

1. Buffer Against China's Influence: A stronger India might counteract Chinese influence in South Asia and beyond, particularly regarding projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
2. Increased Military Preparedness in India: As India enhances its military capabilities with Russian technology, it may deter Chinese expansionist tendencies in border areas, compelling China to reassess its military postures.
3. Geopolitical Alignments: The partnership could lead to a more pronounced security alignment between India, the U.S., and its allies, further isolating China diplomatically.
4. Economic Competition: Strengthened economic ties between India and Russia could lead to increased competition in sectors where both nations previously faced off against China, such as technology and energy.

implications for China and Strategic Countermeasures

Diplomatic Maneuvering

In response to the increasing India-Russia cooperation, China may amplify its diplomatic outreach in South Asia, offering economic incentives or security guarantees to neighboring countries. This could include deepening ties with states like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, harnessing a strategic buffer against India.

Military Posturing

China's military posture in the Himalayas may become more aggressive, with increased troop deployments and infrastructure development in border regions. Planning for potential contingencies resulting from a more assertive India will likely dominate China's military strategy.

Economic Leverage

With significant investments already placed in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, China may seek to expand its influence through economic ventures that counterbalance growing Indian-Russian nfluence. The BRI will likely be presented as a more attractive option, with targeted investments designed to showcase the benefits of Chinese engagement compared to Indian-Russian cooperation.

Cyber and Intelligence Operations

China’s growing investment in cyber capabilities may lead to intensified cyber operations aimed at undermining India’s advancements in technology and cyber security. Intelligence sharing among allies in the region could escalate, as China operationalizes its countermeasures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the strengthened cooperation between India and Russia poses significant challenges for China, fundamentally altering the regional balance of power. As India fortifies its defense, economic, and diplomatic capacities, China’s concerns about encirclement and diminishing influence are likely to grow. The responses from China will manifest in both strategic posturing and diplomatic initiatives aimed at countering the evolving Indo-Russian alliance.

The geopolitical landscape in Asia is entering a new phase, wherein the dynamics of alliances and partnerships will be scrutinized closely. For India, these developments offer opportunities to assert its sovereignty and enhance its global standing, but they also carry the weight of increasing tensions with a rapidly rising China. The future will hinge on how effectively each country manages its strategies within this intricate web of relationships.

As the global order shifts, the reactions of major powers will continue to shape the trajectory of international relations in the region, with the India-Russia partnership emerging as a critical focus of strategic analysis in the years to come.

 

Modi Putin | पुतीन -मोदी भेटीत 'या ' महत्वाच्या विषयांवर करार | India Ru...

Modi Putin | पुतीन -मोदी भेटीत 'या ' महत्वाच्या विषयांवर करार | India Ru...

पुतिन यांचा भारत दौरा : नवे जागतिक समीकरण आणि भारताची निर्णायक भूमिका

पुतिन-मोदी भेट: जागतिक राजकारणातील महत्त्वाचे वळण आणि भारत-रशिया संबंधां...

पुतीन-मोदी भेट: जागतिक राजकारणातील महत्त्वाचे वळण आणि भारत-रशिया संबंधांचे भवितव्य

 

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रशियाचे अध्यक्ष व्लादिमीर पुतीन हे आज, ४ डिसेंबर रोजी, पंतप्रधान नरेंद्र मोदी यांच्या निमंत्रणावरून भारतभेटीवर येत आहेत. आंतरराष्ट्रीय राजकारणातील अनेक महत्त्वाच्या घडामोडींच्या पार्श्वभूमीवर होत असलेल्या या भेटीकडे संपूर्ण जगाचे, विशेषतः पश्चिमी देशांचे, लक्ष लागून राहिले आहे. या भेटीत दोन्ही देशांमध्ये अनेक महत्त्वाचे करार होण्याची अपेक्षा आहे.

🇮🇳-🇷🇺 जुना विश्वासार्ह संबंध

भारत आणि रशिया (पूर्वीचे सोव्हिएत रशिया) यांचे संबंध अनेक दशकांच्या कसोटीवर उतरले आहेत. भारताला अत्याधुनिक शस्त्रास्त्रे विकण्यास अमेरिकेने नकार दिला असतानाही, रशिया नेहमीच भारताच्या बाजूने भक्कमपणे उभा राहिला. भारताच्या परराष्ट्र धोरणात रशिया हा नेहमीच एक विश्वासार्ह भागीदार आणि मित्रत्वाचा आधार राहिला आहे, असे परराष्ट्रमंत्री एस. जयशंकर यांनी अनेकदा स्पष्ट केले आहे.

• अमेरिकेने भारतावर ५० टक्के आयातशुल्क लादून भारताला रशियापासून दूर करण्याचे धोरण अवलंबले असताना, ही भेट अत्यंत महत्त्वाची ठरते.

• फेब्रुवारी २०२२ मध्ये युक्रेनवर आक्रमण केल्यानंतर, पुतीन यांच्याविरुद्ध आंतरराष्ट्रीय न्यायालयाने अटक वॉरंट काढले असतानाही, त्यांची ही भारतभेट पश्चिमी देशांसाठी एक महत्त्वाचा इशारा आहे.

💰 ऊर्जा, व्यापार आणि चलन व्यवहार

या भेटीत खालील आर्थिक आणि व्यापारी मुद्द्यांवर लक्ष केंद्रित होण्याची शक्यता आहे:

• क्रूड तेल खरेदी: रशियाकडून क्रूड तेल खरेदी करण्याच्या भारताच्या निर्णयाकडे अमेरिका आणि जगाचे बारीक लक्ष असेल.

• नैसर्गिक वायू: रशियाकडून नैसर्गिक इंधन वायू भारतात कशाप्रकारे आणता येईल, यावर चर्चा होण्याची शक्यता आहे.

• रुपया-रुबल व्यवहार: गेल्या काही वर्षांत क्रूड तेल खरेदीमुळे रशियाकडे जमा झालेल्या भारतीय चलनाचे (रुपये) विनियोग करण्यासाठी भारताकडून रशियाला निर्यात वाढवण्यासाठी नवीन क्षेत्रांचा अभ्यास केला जाऊ शकतो.

• व्यापार वाढीचे लक्ष्य: सन २०३० पर्यंत भारत आणि रशियामधील व्यापार १०० अब्ज डॉलर्सवर नेण्याचे उद्दिष्ट ठेवले गेले आहे.

⚔️ संरक्षण आणि तंत्रज्ञान क्षेत्रातील महत्त्वाचे करार

भारत हा रशियन शस्त्रास्त्रांचा मोठा ग्राहक आहे. या भेटीत संरक्षण क्षेत्रात मोठे करार होण्याची शक्यता आहे:

• एस यू-५७ लढाऊ विमान: रशियाचे अतिप्रगत लढाऊ विमान ‘एस यू-५७’ साठी तंत्रज्ञान हस्तांतरण आणि भारतात त्याचे उत्पादन घेण्यासंदर्भात घोषणा होऊ शकते. पूर्वी 'राफेल' (फ्रान्स) कडून तंत्रज्ञान हस्तांतरणास नकार मिळाला होता.

• एस-४०० आणि एस-५००: 'एस-४००' क्षेपणास्त्र प्रणालीच्या भारतातील निर्मितीबाबत आणि 'एस-५००' प्रणालीबद्दल चर्चा होण्याची शक्यता आहे.

• एस यू-७५: एका इंजिनावर चालणारे 'एस यू-७५' हे फायटर एअरक्राफ्ट भारताला ऑफर केले जाण्याची शक्यता आहे.

• जहाजबांधणी तंत्रज्ञान: अंटार्क्टिकासारख्या बर्फाळ प्रदेशात चालणाऱ्या 'आईस ब्रेकर' जहाजबांधणीसाठी उपयुक्त ठरणारे तंत्रज्ञान रशिया भारताला देण्याची घोषणा करू शकतो.

🌍 जागतिक राजकारणावर परिणाम

सध्याच्या जागतिक परिस्थितीत ही भेट अनेक अर्थांनी महत्त्वपूर्ण आहे:

• पश्चिमी देशांना इशारा: अमेरिका आणि युरोपीय देशांकडून रशियाला 'वाळीत' टाकण्याचा प्रयत्न होत असताना, पुतीन यांचे भारतात राजशिष्टाचार पाळून होणारे जोरदार स्वागत पश्चिमी देशांना एक स्पष्ट संकेत देईल.

• ब्रिक्सचे बळकटीकरण: 'क्वाड'चे अस्तित्व निष्क्रिय होत असताना, 'ब्रिक्स' संघटनेच्या बळकटीकरणासाठी या भेटीकडे पाहिले जाऊ शकते. अधिकाधिक देशांची 'ब्रिक्स'मध्ये सामील होण्याची इच्छा पश्चिमी देशांचा जागतिक राजकारणावरील प्रभाव ओसरत असल्याचे दर्शवते.

• मोदींचे जागतिक नेतृत्व: पंतप्रधान नरेंद्र मोदी हे एकमेव असे जागतिक नेते आहेत, ज्यांची स्वीकारार्हता सर्वाधिक आहे. ते एकाच वेळी युक्रेनचे झेलेन्सकी, रशियाचे पुतीन, अमेरिकेचे राष्ट्राध्यक्ष डोनाल्ड ट्रम्प आणि चीनचे शी जिनपिंग यांनाही भेटू शकतात, असे मत अमेरिकेतील काही पत्रकारांनी व्यक्त केले आहे.

🇺🇸 युक्रेन युद्धाचा संदर्भ

या भेटीचा संबंध अमेरिकेचे माजी राष्ट्राध्यक्ष डोनाल्ड ट्रम्प यांच्या युक्रेन युद्ध थांबवण्याच्या प्रयत्नांशी देखील जोडला जात आहे. ट्रम्प हे अमेरिकेला या युद्धातून दूर नेऊ इच्छितात आणि युक्रेनला '२८ कलमी प्रोग्राम' स्वीकारण्यासाठी दबाव आणत आहेत. या अटींमध्ये रशियाने जिंकलेला युक्रेनमधील भूभाग रशियाकडेच राहील, ही प्रमुख अट आहे.

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पुतीन हे भारतीय संसदेच्या दोन्ही सभागृहांच्या एकत्र अधिवेशनाला संबोधित करण्याची शक्यता आहे. राष्ट्रपती भवनात राष्ट्रपती द्रौपदी मुर्मू यांच्यातर्फे पुतीन यांना शाही मानपान भोजन देण्यात येणार आहे. या भेटीची वेळ आणि त्याचे अनेक आंतरराष्ट्रीय आयाम पाहता, पुढील काही दिवसांत भारत आणि रशियाकडून होणाऱ्या प्रत्येक घोषणेकडे जगाचे लक्ष असेल, हे निश्चित.

CAPABILITY DEVELOPEMENT INDIAN ARMY BY GEN CHAUDHARI 27 NOV 25 BRIG GRAN...

🇮🇳 Forging the Shield: The Indian Army's Capability Development Through 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat'

The Indian Army, one of the world's largest and most experienced land forces, stands at a critical juncture in its capability development. From a history marked by dependence on global suppliers to a present striving for self-reliance, its journey is now defined by the ambitious goal of 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India).¹ This transformation is not merely about sourcing equipment; it is a strategic imperative to ensure operational autonomy, enhance technological superiority, and cement India’s role as a net security provider.²

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📜 Past History: The Era of Dependence and Gradual Indigenisation

Post-Independence, the Indian Army's capability development was largely a story of necessity, geopolitical alignment, and heavy reliance on imports.

• Initial Dependence (1947 - 1962): Following the partition of the British Indian Army, India initially relied on residual British equipment and limited domestic capacity. The focus was on maintaining internal stability and integrating princely states.³

• The Shock of 1962 and the Soviet Shift: The Sino-Indian War of 1962 served as a stark wake-up call, exposing critical voids in equipment, infrastructure, and doctrine.⁴ This led to a strategic shift, with the Soviet Union/Russia becoming the primary source for major platforms like tanks (T-series), artillery, and aircraft. While ensuring supply, this created deep-rooted dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for spares, maintenance, and technology transfer.

• Emergence of Indigenous Capability (1970s - 1990s): The period saw the establishment of a robust Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Early major indigenous projects included the Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun and initial attempts at domestic artillery and small arms.⁵ However, the complexity of large-scale, cutting-edge defence manufacturing meant India remained one of the world's top defence importers.⁶

• Post-Kargil Modernisation: The Kargil War (1999) highlighted the urgent need for capability voids in surveillance, precision firepower, and high-altitude warfare equipment, leading to renewed modernisation efforts, often still involving substantial foreign procurement.

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🎯 Present Status: The 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' Thrust

The current phase is defined by a determined pivot towards self-reliance, driven by the 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' vision, which seeks to transform India from a major importer to a major defence manufacturer and exporter.⁷

1. Policy Reforms and Industrial Ecosystem

• Positive Indigenisation Lists (PIL): The Ministry of Defence has notified several 'Positive Indigenisation Lists' (or 'Negative Import Lists') of equipment—ranging from basic components to complex weapon systems like next-generation tanks, communication systems, and utility helicopters—that must be procured solely from domestic sources after specific timelines.⁸ This provides a guaranteed market to the Indian industry.

• Private Sector and Start-ups: The government has liberalised Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and opened up Defence Research & Development (R&D) to the private sector and startups.⁹ Initiatives like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) are aggressively promoting startups to work on disruptive technologies (AI, drones, robotics) for the Armed Forces.¹⁰

• Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs): Two dedicated DICs in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh are being established as clusters to foster an industrial base, attracting over ₹9,000 crore in realized investment.¹¹

2. Visible Capability Gains

The Indian Army is inducting a growing portfolio of domestically designed and manufactured equipment:¹²

• Artillery: The successful deployment of indigenous systems like the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and the Dhanush Artillery Gun System marks a major step towards replacing vintage imported howitzers.¹³

• Armoured Systems: Projects for next-generation combat vehicles and light tanks (like 'Project Zorawar' for high-altitude areas) are being pushed aggressively under the indigenous route.

• Missile and Air Defence Systems: Indigenous systems like the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile system and various short-range missile systems are already in service, reducing reliance on foreign AD solutions.¹⁴

• Infantry Modernisation: Increasing procurement of indigenous small arms, protective gear, and specialised surveillance equipment.¹⁵

3. Challenges and Gaps

Despite the significant momentum, the path to complete self-reliance has hurdles:

• Critical Technologies: Dependence remains high for sophisticated, niche technologies like aero-engines, advanced micro-electronics, complex sensor systems, and specific sub-systems for high-end platforms.

• R&D Investment: Defence R&D spending, though increasing, still needs a substantial push to match global defence leaders. The current emphasis is on moving from basic research to enterprise-level, deployable products.¹⁶

• Streamlining Procurement: Despite policy changes (like the new Defence Acquisition Procedure - DAP), procedural delays and complexity in the procurement cycle continue to slow down the transition from 'development' to 'large-scale induction'.¹⁷

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🚀 Way Ahead: The Roadmap for a Future-Ready Force

The Indian Army's long-term transformation pathway, as recently articulated, envisions a three-phase plan to become an integrated, next-generation force by 2047:¹⁸

Phase	Timeline	Focus Area	Key Objectives
HOP	Till 2032	Accelerated Transition	Drive accelerated capability development, modernising core force structures, and adapting to multi-domain warfare concepts.
STEP	Till 2037	Consolidation	Consolidating the gains made, achieving deep integration between the three services (Army, Navy, Air Force), and focusing on technology absorption.
JUMP	Till 2047	Integrated Force Design	Realise a fully integrated, technologically superior force equipped for next-generation warfare, anchored in near-total self-reliance.

Key Drivers for the 'Atma Nirbhar' Future:

1. Technological Leapfrog: Focus on disruptive technologies—Artificial Intelligence (AI) for data dominance, Quantum Computing, Cyber Warfare capabilities, and Autonomous Systems (drones and robotics) to build asymmetrical advantages.¹⁹ The emphasis is on being 'ahead of the technology curve,' not just catching up.

2. Increased R&D Share: A strategic increase in the defence R&D budget is necessary to indigenously design, develop, and manufacture complex platforms like hypersonic missiles, advanced stealth systems, and next-gen engines.²⁰

3. Military-Civil Fusion: Deepening synergy between the military, academia, DRDO, DPSUs, and the private sector to leverage India's massive IT and engineering talent pool.²¹ This is critical for developing resilient, secure technology choices.

4. Export-Led Growth: Transforming the industry from one focused on import substitution to one capable of competitive global exports.²² Success in exports validates the quality and reliability of indigenous products, which is essential for user confidence within the Army.

In conclusion, the 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' route is more than an economic slogan for the Indian Army; it is the fundamental strategy for its capability development. It is a sustained, multi-decade mission to achieve Strategic Autonomy, ensuring that India possesses the will and the indigenous capability to think, act, and fight independently in a fractured global security order.²³ The ultimate success will be measured by the day the Indian Army's cutting-edge inventory is predominantly 'Made in India'.