India Russia Ties Under Fire: Why Western Media Now Labels India An 'Enemy'

India Russia ties spark global controversy as Western media labels India an ‘enemy’ for maintaining defense and energy links with Moscow.

Explore the facts, backlash, and India’s response.

Table of Contents

India Russia Ties Under Fire Introduction

In a rapidly shifting geopolitical climate, India Russia ties are now drawing harsh scrutiny from Western media.

A controversial article published by UK outlet The Telegraph, authored by Tom Sharpe, recently labeled India as an “enemy” of the West—an accusation that has sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about biased narratives.

This unfolding media storm reflects deeper tensions surrounding India’s foreign policy choices, particularly its relationship with Russia.

1. Background: The Telegraph’s Controversial Article

The uproar began when The Telegraph claimed India should be viewed not as a partner, but as an adversary.

The article blames India Russia ties for undermining Western efforts to isolate Russia, particularly by pointing to India’s ongoing defense purchases and crude oil imports from Moscow.

While this may seem like a black-and-white assessment, India’s foreign policy operates in shades of grey—balancing economic interests, regional security, and historical ties.

2. The Key Accusations Behind the ‘Enemy’ Label

The article cites:

Reliance on Russian defense equipment
Continued purchase of Russian crude oil
Joint defense ventures like BrahMos missiles
India’s commissioning of warships with Russian support

These elements are framed as evidence of India indirectly “bankrolling” President Vladimir Putin—a claim many Indian analysts strongly refute.

3. India’s Strategic Defense Commitments

A major example is the commissioning of INS Tamal, a warship with Russian cooperation. Critics argue this shows India’s unwillingness to distance itself from Moscow. However, it’s worth noting:

The order was placed in 2018, long before the Ukraine crisis
India is transitioning toward defense self-reliance under its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative
INS Tamal is likely the last major Russian-built warship in Indian service

This context paints a different picture—one of gradual decoupling, not allegiance.

4. The BrahMos Missile Debate

India’s use of the BrahMos supersonic missile, developed jointly with Russia, is another point of contention. Capable of evading up to 98% of air defense systems, BrahMos is a game-changer.

But Western critics argue:

It symbolizes ongoing tech cooperation with Russia
It threatens Western geopolitical interests

Yet, India views BrahMos as a cornerstone of its sovereign defense capabilities, not as a political endorsement of Russia.

5. Oil, Economics, and Western Double Standards

The article’s strongest rebuke comes from India’s oil imports from Russia. However, analysts point out:

US sanctions on Iran force India to diversify energy sources
The Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, threatening supply chains
Japan has resumed buying Russian oil—without the same backlash

This suggests selective criticism aimed at India, likely driven by its growing global influence and search traffic.

6. The S-400 Controversy

India’s acquisition of the S-400 air defense system is another hot-button issue. The Telegraph downplays its effectiveness, but facts suggest otherwise:

Russia has deployed S-400s effectively in Ukraine
India used it successfully against Pakistani aircraft

Despite proven performance, the West criticizes India’s purchase solely due to its origin—Russia.

7. Media Narratives and Underlying Agendas

Why is India being singled out? Analysts argue this narrative serves:

Clickbait headlines and digital engagement
Pressure to align fully with Western blocs
Control over the Global South narrative

Ironically, India has:

Rejected China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Refused SCO declarations aligning with China
Participated in G7 Summits

Yet, these facts are ignored to amplify a confrontational image.

8. India’s Perspective and Future Outlook

India sees the “enemy” label as:

Hypocritical, given the UK’s colonial history and ongoing arms trade
Unjust, since India hasn’t labeled any Western country as an enemy
Misguided, as India is gradually reducing dependency on Russia

Unless India aligns completely with Western stances, such portrayals may persist. However, public opinion in the West might challenge this reductive narrative over time.

9. India Russia Ties: Summary

Issue	Western Criticism	India’s Position
Russian Defense Imports	Bankrolling Putin	Legacy deals; self-reliance increasing
BrahMos Missile	Threatens Western allies	Vital for sovereign defense
Russian Oil	Undermines sanctions	Economic necessity; others do the same
S-400 System	Not effective	Proven in Pakistan and Ukraine
INS Tamal Warship	Symbol of Russian ties	Ordered pre-Ukraine war; last of its kind

10. India Russia Ties Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are India Russia ties being criticized now?
Because of geopolitical tensions surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Western media expects countries to isolate Russia completely.

Q2: Is India supporting Russia in the Ukraine war?
India maintains a neutral stance, calls for diplomacy, and continues legacy defense and energy contracts.

Q3: Are India Russia ties increasing or decreasing?
They are gradually decreasing, especially in defense, with India shifting toward indigenous production.

Q4: Is India violating international sanctions?
No. India is operating within its sovereign rights and not violating any UN sanctions.

Q5: Why is Japan not criticized for buying Russian oil?
The criticism appears selective. India’s growing influence makes it a high-visibility target in media narratives.