Geostrategic Significance of Energy: A Glimpse of India-Russia Relations

Abstract

History bears witness to how resources have become the object of many conflicts and wars between nations. The roots of imperialism and colonialism are embedded in the need for resources. Examples of these resources are both renewable and non-renewable resources such as water, minerals, fossil fuels and natural gas. Out of all these what stands prominent is energy derived from non-renewable resources. With modernization stepping into every aspect of civilized life, energy becomes the criteria to distinguish a developed country from an underdeveloped or developing country. A country brimming with fossil fuels and other natural gases shapes the foreign policy of other nations through export or making others inescapably dependent on it. It is said, then the geostrategic importance of these energy sources increases the status and position of that nation in the global power structure. In this backdrop, the geostrategic importance of Russia in power structure has been analyzed in this paper. For the bourgeoning population and sky-rocketing energy requirements, the energy available in India has not been adequate. For this reason, since independence India has been compelled to be dependent on other energy surplus countries. India's growing and deepening relationship with a reliable Russia can be explained in this light. With exit of western investments in Russia for exploration of energy the Indian companies have stepped in for new explorations and increasing production. This mutuality has strengthened their relations despite tumults in global politics and ongoing Russia's special operation in Ukraine. This geostrategic importance of energy in the friendship between India and Russia will continue till India attains self-sufficiency in producing energy.