Apropos the editorial "Russian roulette" (December 11) it is rightly mentioned that Russia has been India's most trusted companion in the past and has given valuable political, diplomatic and strategic support at crucial times on vital issues affecting India's national interests. However, post the Cold War, after the break up of the Soviet Union, the dimensions of the relationship between India and Russia have changed, as Russia is no longer a superpower and India is no longer a developing country. The two countries have converging interests in important fields of co-operation such as oil and gas, defence, nuclear, space, science and technology and so on, where India needs foreign assistance and collaboration.
Russia remains India's most important foreign supplier of military equipment although we have diversified our defence purchases. Energy is also an important area for future co-operation from India's perspective as we are an energy-deficient country and Russia an energy-surplus one. This is the perfect time to sign a long-term energy deal with Russia because it is going through a bad phase due to economic sanctions imposed by the West and falling crude oil prices. Russia's strategic relations with India will not have a sound foundation and long-term stability unless trade and economic co-operation increase and diversify.
Reya Amrawat Jodhpur
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