Dr. Kapil K. Sharma
Since independence one country which has always stood by India is Russia. Whenever India was in trouble at international forum Russia was always there to bail India out. Remember how Russia used the veto power to defeat united nations security council resolution on Kashmir in favor of India otherwise history of Kashmir would have been different today. If I start enumerating the favors India has received from Russia list it will be endless. But few of them are worth mentioning just to refresh the memory.
Remember war of 1962. China retreated from Arunachal Pradesh unilaterally without any precondition. India unfortunately was down on knees because of many reasons but mainly due to lack of poor leadership and unpreparedness. China did not withdraw as a goodwill esture. It was because Russia put immense pressure by mobilizing its own forces.
* In 1965 war with Pakistan , U.S.A – Pak honeymoon was at peak. Pakistani air force was one of the best at that time due to the acquisition of F-86 saber jets and 104 interceptors courtesy U.S.A. India at that time was depending heavily on English left over world war time hardware and ordinance factories and worst was yet to come. English govt. adopted neutral approach between two warring factions. Again it was Russia who came to rescue India by providing military supply and expertise.it also acted as peacekeeper and brokered peace between two warring factions remember Tashkent agreement.
* During 1971 war with Pakistan U.S.A crossed all limits and tried to help Pakistan openly and directly. It sent “Task Force 74” headed by the nuclear powered carrier USS ENTERPRISE and half a dozen other ships in to Bay of Bengal through the straits of Malacca and so many other things along with 800 marines. Do you think India could have survived direct attack head on from America at that point of time? Again it was Russia who saved India. It deployed six vessels in Indian Ocean and blocked the passage. It was a situation which could have triggered world war.
* Only Indian astronaut wing com. Rakesh sharma reached space onboard a Russian rocket.
* ISRO received full support and technical knowledge from Russia during its infancy period. Remember cryogenic engine.
* Even today India is so heavily dependent on Russia for military hard ware. Spares for tanks, armed vehicles and so many things are still coming from Russia. Here I would like to mention that there was a time when India was not in a position to repay its debts in foreign currency so Russia agreed to accept payments in ruppes.Hats off.
* During Pokhran2 whole world stood against India. All sort of sanctions were imposed on India. Russian reaction was just symbolic. It stood its grounds and was there when we needed the most.
* Our all air craft carriers have come from Russia even latest VIKRAMADITYA .
* Air force is heavily depending on Russian sukhoies and migs.
* BRAHMOS cruise missiles are made in joint venture with Russia.
* India is developing fifth generation fighter air craft with Russia.
* All nuclear powered submarines are here because of Russia.
This list is endless. Reason for mentioning all this is not to glorify Russia. Fact is Russia is in trouble at this time of moment.G20 summit has proved that whole world has turned against Russia. Right now Russia is isolated. Don’t you think it is the time India should come forward and show solidarity? We must prove we are all weather friend and not fair weather friend. Russian economy is going through worst phase. If we don’t extend helping hand now then we may lose a time and tested friend.
We must understand by doing so we will not be doing a one sided favor. By doing trade with Russia we shall be immensely benefitted as due to sanctions a big demand is created and India can fulfill that. We must consider this as blessing in disguise. What are required are great diplomatic skills, [KOOT NITI OF CHANAKYA}.
Another thing which is happening because of our cautious approach is china is enjoying absolutely free hand and is capturing market at will. China is doing both business and also gaining the brownie points from Russia
Some thinkers are of opinion that Russia is wrong this time because it is bullying its weak neighbors.Russia is an aggressor this time. I would like to put this situation my way- imagine if tomorrow people of Pakistan occupied kashmir decide to join union of India and pleads for help. What India should do? Of course embrace them with full might and power. Then how Russia is culprit today? Going by same logic, if Russia is wrong then how can we justify liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan and liberation of Goa from Portuguese?
(The author is former consultant of (ASCOMS and Hospital)
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