Changing equations will not affect the traditional sovereignty of India

India's traditional and "age-old" ally, Russia, has made it clear that it does not believe that growing Indo-US ties would be at the cost of a sovereign Indian foreign policy in future. It also felt that the growing relations between New Delhi and Washington were not going to be at the cost of its allies like, Moscow. Excerpts from an interview with the Russian ambassador Vyacheslav I. Trubnikov given to Hardnews magazine.

Q: Does Russia want to see the 123 agreement that India proposes to sign with the United States being completed at the earliest?

Ans: Russia has stated at different levels its positive attitude towards adjustments of international regimes to enable civil nuclear energy cooperation with India. The Joint Statement, adopted at the Group of Eight Summit in St. Petersburg by President Vladimir Putin and President George W. Bush, makes special mention that both sides look forward to reinforcing their partnership with India. India has firmly established itself as a country with a perfect non-proliferation track record. Besides, one cannot ignore the energy needs of this rapidly developing economy which is already facing a challenging task of ensuring effective energy supply. We believe that India's case should be treated as an exemption from Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) rules.

Q: A debate is raging in the country on India's attempt to forge a close, Strategic Partnership with the United States. Does the
growing Indo-US tie make Russia nervous?

Ans: Why should we fear close relations between New Delhi and Washington? Russia has also considerably intensified its cooperation with the US in recent years. The basic element determining our interaction with American partners is the common interest in maintaining global and regional stability. We cooperate on a number of very broad spectrum of issues, both at the bilateral level and in international and regional organizations such as the UN, the G-8, APEC, Quartet of international mediators, the six-party talks, etc. At the same time it is quite natural that positions of Russia and the US do not coincide in all respects. Nevertheless, we never get obsessed with discrepancies so that they do not hinder the overall development of our ties. Thus evolution of Russian-American relations is a complex process that in some respects corresponds to the transformation of Indo-US cooperation. We believe these changing equations will not affect the traditional sovereignty of India in taking its foreign policy decisions.

Q: Do you believe that strong Indo-US ties could only be at the cost of India's traditional allies?

Ans: As far as we can see, the Indian leadership is committed to multi-vector diplomacy focused on strengthening relations with traditional partners as well as promoting new bilateral and multilateral engagements. Russia's interaction with India has recently witnessed remarkable expansion with President Putin's visit to New Delhi last January giving a major impetus to such thrust areas such as military and technical cooperation, energy, and space. Both sides are set to carry forward their joint initiatives in civil nuclear energy, particularly by constructing four additional blocks at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project and new reactors at other sites in India.

Q: Are India-US ties good for the region? What according to Russia are its implications?

Ans: India is the biggest country in South Asia with huge economic, political, and military potential. Guided by its national interests it pursues a coherent and balanced regional policy. Major world powers, including Russia and the USA, take particular note of New Delhi's approaches to key issues on regional agenda. We highly appreciate the Indian efforts to strengthen stability and rebuild the economy of Afghanistan. We fully support the ongoing convergence between India and China and its progressing dialogue with Pakistan and Iran. Moscow also welcomes the positive shifts in India's relations with Bangladesh. We are very optimistic about New Delhi's current focus on creating goodwill and eliminating the existing "irritants" in regional affairs. The only alternative scenario is deterioration of bilateral ties, confrontation, and creation of dividing lines in Asia which is against the interests of the whole world community. I believe it is with this understanding in mind that New Delhi has assumed an extremely proactive role facilitating peace and progress in the region.

 Q: India has been making an attempt to downgrade its participation in forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) by sending its petroleum minister, while other countries that also have an observer status send their heads of governments or foreign ministers. How do you interpret the Indian decision?

Ans: New Delhi's willingness to be an influential player in regional integration processes is a very encouraging sign. We are particularly pleased to see its growing interest in the work of the SCO. I must point out that Indian delegation always participates in SCO meetings in a very active and constructive manner. At the same time we will certainly be extremely glad to welcome the Head of the Indian Government at the SCO Summit. It would be an important signal to the member-states that India is interested in deeper involvement in the activities of this organization. Moscow appreciates that New Delhi is keen to join as soon as possible in the practical cooperation within the SCO. India like other states of this forum wants to see the Central Asian region stable, devoid of extremism, terrorism, and drug-trafficking. There are also promising vistas for joint economic, infrastructural, humanitarian projects in the framework of the SCO which could change the face of this part of the world turning it into the area of prosperity and an all-round development. Naturally, we support India's joining concrete projects in this Organization.

Q. Is the SCO an anti-American forum? If not then what is it? Is it a forum that deals fundamentally with energy or security issues? Or is it a mixture of both?

Ans: The SCO is not a military block; its activities are not directed against any third country. It is pursuing economic, infrastructural and trade goals, as well as promoting regional stability and security, including joint efforts to counter terrorist and extremist threats.