Autonomy and dependence in India's relations with the Soviet Union since the Treaty of 1971

Abstract

Systemic differences in terms of political, social and economic values have not always prevented nations from collaborating with each other nor have affinity in values prevented them from fighting with each other. Nevertheless when the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation symbolising a closer relationship between the two states was signed on August 9, 1971 it created a flutter among observers of politics among states. It evoked an impassioned debate, both in India and the West at large. At the esoteric level the discussions involved philosophical polemics amongst the erudite about the parameters of nonalignment. Interest focussed on theoretical questions relating to the nature, scope and relevance of nonalignment and on such matters as the similarities and differences between nonalignment and neutralism. At the much more substantive level the issue that stimulated responses from all and sundry was whether the treaty could be interpreted as a visible manifestation of India's new status as a Soviet client. While the passions generated in the wake of the treaty have long since subsided the shadow cast by the substantive issue has lingered on. This sub-thesis is an enquiry on that enduring theme. The primary purpose is to evaluate whether India's close relationship with the Soviet Union constrained Indian foreign policy postures and enhanced dependence- on the Soviet Union economically and in the sphere of arms trade. In other words the sub-thesis is an assessment of the autonomy and dependence in India's relations with the Soviet Union. In pursuit of the aims outlined above the operation of Indo-Soviet relations during the first decade of the treaty relationship is reviewed from the vantage point of the 19 80s. The sub-thesis does not pretend to be a comprehensive account of Indo-Soviet relations from August 1971 to July 1981. Instead of covering the entire gamut of Indo-Soviet relations the focus is deliberately limited to those major political, economic and arms trade interactions which are likely to highlight the autonomy and dependence in India's relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). In essence the sub-thesis is a series of case studies strung together. The format is chronological. As a prelude to the main thrust Chapter I examines the context in which India and the Soviet Union entered into a treaty relationship. Following this, Chapter II analyses Indo-Soviet interactions during the South Asian crisis of 19 71. The rest of the period from 1972 to 1981 is divided into three segments in order to coincide with the changes of government in India. Each segment constitutes a separate chapter wherein the major political, economic and arms trade interactions are examined. Chapter III covers the period from January 19 72 to February 19 77 when the Congress party led by Mrs Gandhi was in power. Chapter IV deals with the course of relations from March 1977 to December 1979. This was the period when first the Janata Party led by Mr Morarji Desai and then a breakaway faction of the Janata, the Lok Dal, led by Mr Charan Singh, held office. Chapter V covers the period from the return to power of Mrs Gandhi in January 1980 to July 19 81, the end of the first decade of the treaty relationship. Finally, the trends discerned in the review spreading from Chapter II to V are drawn together in the Conclusion to put forth an assessment of the autonomy and dependence in India's relations with the Soviet Union. Show more