The world is worried about the closeness between Donald Trump and Putin

While America stood firmly against Russia’s expansionist policies during the Cold War and then the war in Ukraine, America’s stance has changed rapidly after Donald Trump came to power. It has been barely a month since Trump took oath, and his jugalbandi with Vladimir Putin looks as if they are centuries-old friends. Recently, Trump’s stance on Ukraine and his support for Russia has worried the world. Europe is afraid that Trump and Putin might make a big deal regarding Ukraine. Let us understand whether the growing closeness between Russia and America will prove to be a headache for India or a diplomatic boon.

According to the New York Times, Trump’s new policy towards Russia points towards improving relations with Russia by abandoning America’s traditional allies. Europe is worried about this changed attitude of the Trump administration. US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations, which Russia seemed satisfied with. However, Ukrainian President Zelensky described Trump’s rhetoric as the result of Putin’s influence. Many European leaders, including the President of Finland, believe that if America abandons support for Ukraine, Russia may become more aggressive.

According to The Economist, Trump’s policies can weaken NATO, which will increase the threat to Europe’s security. If America withdraws from protecting its NATO allies, Russia may get an opportunity to strengthen its hold in Eastern Europe. At the same time, Russia is directly benefiting from Trump’s anti-Ukraine stance, because he has talked about lifting the sanctions and not including Ukraine in NATO.
India’s side
The United Nations General Assembly on Monday approved the Ukrainian resolution demanding the immediate withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine on completion of three years of the invasion. In the 193-member world body, 93 members voted in its favour while 18 opposed it. 65 members, including India, were absent from the voting. India’s stand on the Russia and Ukraine issue has been neutral from the beginning. Even though India calls Russia its closest friend, it has never publicly supported Russia in the Ukraine war. India has spoken several times about resolving the war through diplomacy and dialogue.

Last year, PM Narendra Modi met the top leaders of both Russia and Ukraine. First he hugged Russian leader Putin in Moscow and then went to Ukraine to console Zelensky. This attitude of India shows that it is interested in finding a solution to this war.

Relations between India and Russia have been strong strategically and commercially from the beginning. The trade between the two countries is approximately $65 billion in 2023-24. Trade is expected to grow to $100 billion by 2030. After the European countries imposed various restrictions, India has started buying oil from Russia at a lower price. India is only benefiting from this.

The growing friendship between America and Russia can also be beneficial for India from the perspective of China. The tension between America and China is not hidden from anyone, recently Trump had announced to increase tariffs on some Chinese goods. Trump remained a critic of China even in his last term. Trump has blamed China for the corona virus and also called the virus a Chinese virus. Experts say that the friendship between Russia and America may reduce Putin’s inclination towards China, which will only benefit India.

Experts say that better relations between Russia and America can bring stability in the global power balance. India can strengthen its strategic partnership with both these powers. If both the countries develop good relations with each other, then India can get new possibilities in trade and defense sector. India can better balance military technical cooperation from America and supply of cheap defense equipment from Russia.

Good relations with Russia can provide India with better supply of energy and natural resources, especially in the field of gas and oil. America can provide assistance in this regard, which can ensure energy security for India.