Who You Gonna Call? India Sees Russia as Best Friend When Crisis Threatens

New Delhi (Sputnik) — Putting all speculation to rest, it is now confirmed that India considers Russia its most reliable friend. One of the most senior diplomats in India’s External Affairs Ministry has asserted that despite India’s growing cooperation with the US on many global agendas, Russia remains the one friend that India believes will be the first to respond to a crisis call. 

India’s Ministry of External Affairs is currently preparing for a crucial diplomatic summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin to be held in Goa in India’s south next month on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

A senior diplomat involved in the preparations for the summit, told reporters on condition of anonymity in New Delhi, “Diplomats often wonder where they would place their first call if India faced a security challenge. The answer is Russia.”

This statement holds immense significance as it comes amid fledgling closeness between Russia and India’s foremost adversary Pakistan. The two countries plan to hold a joint military exercise soon. Moreover, Pakistan has displayed keen interest in purchasing the Su-35 combat aircraft from Russia, a move which troubles India. Moscow’s ties with Beijing have also been a matter of concern for India. However, the unparalleled history of mutual trust remains unhindered by individual aspirations.

During the Kargil War in 1999 with Pakistan when Indian forces ran out of arms and ammunition, Russia supplied India's stocks upon a single request from India, said a source.