In recent years, the relationship between Russia and China has grown closer, particularly in the area of military cooperation. This partnership has the potential to have a significant impact on the global balance of power, including in South Asia.
Russia and China’s increasing military cooperation is not a recent phenomenon.
The two nations have collaborated on military matters for many years, with a notable increase in cooperation since 2014. Russia has become an essential supplier of advanced military technology to China in recent years, with the two countries conducting joint military exercises and exchanging intelligence.
The development of the S-400 air defence system, which is widely considered to be one of the most advanced anti-aircraft systems in the world, is one of the most significant examples of this cooperation. China began receiving S-400 systems from Russia in 2018, with the Chinese military praising the system’s efficacy and capabilities.
Russia and China have collaborated on the development of other sophisticated military technologies, such as the Su-35 fighter jet and the H-6K bomber, in addition to the S-400. These joint initiatives are an unmistakable indication of the strengthening military ties between the two countries, and their potential effects on regional and global security are significant.
India has maintained a long-standing strategic alliance with Russia, which has been a significant supplier of military materiel to the Indian armed forces. However, the expanding military cooperation between Russia and China has the potential to affect India’s strategic interests and alter the regional balance of power.
China’s deployment of the S-400 air defence system along the India-China border is one of India’s primary concerns, as it could substantially complicate India’s defence strategy. The S-400 is capable of detecting and engaging targets at a range of up to 400 kilometres, allowing it to potentially protect a significant portion of India’s airspace.
Additionally, the development of other sophisticated military technologies by Russia and China could give the Chinese military an advantage over India in the event of a conflict. For instance, the Su-35 fighter jet is regarded as one of the world’s most sophisticated aircraft, and its deployment by the Chinese military could pose a significant threat to Indian air superiority.
The expanding military partnership between Russia and China has implications for China’s longstanding alliance with Pakistan. Pakistan has been a significant purchaser of Chinese military materiel, and the two nations have previously participated in joint military exercises.
China’s relationship with its traditional ally could become more complicated if Russia and Pakistan increase their military cooperation. It is essential to note, however, that Russia’s relationship with Pakistan is not as strong as its relationship with India, and that military cooperation between the two countries is likely to be limited.
In conclusion, the expanding military cooperation between Russia and China has the potential to substantially alter the global balance of power, particularly in South Asia. India will need to keep a close eye on these developments and take measures to safeguard its own strategic interests. Additionally, it will be essential to monitor how this cooperation affects China’s relationship with Pakistan, as it may have implications for regional stability. It remains to be seen what effect this partnership will have on the global security landscape, but it is evident that it will be an essential development to monitor over the coming decades.
By – Dr. Monica B Sood