Russia has gained large influence in west asia due to its smart use of soft & hard power.
Russia’s role
1. has filled power vaccuum, providing some order which otherwise would be anarchic & has supported state authority,institutional capacity & existing political boundaries.
2. has provided balance of power in the region after the Unipolar moment where west was unilaterally intervening,misusing UNSC & deciding the fates of nations like in case of Libya,Iraq & Syria. it has taken the role of the Soviet Union but in a more practical & less intrusive & ideological way.
3. has been important in supporting IRAN in its nuclear deal, the secular regimes in Eygpt & Syria & preventing US intervention there while substantially helping in removing ISIS.
4.Russia's multifaceted diplomatic relations are likely to be followed by long-term economic, energy, arms deals & commercial relations.
5.Russia does not want radicalism & terrorism to spread from west to central asia thus harming its own backyard & internal stability & thus is focussing on fighting extremism abroad & denying it growth.
6.While Trumps policies have angered nations thus losing influence Rusia has emerged looking as an honest peace broker .
Implications for India
In present times when India is moving closer to the western bloc ,Russia’s & Indias Interests do align in several cases whereas some areas of discomfort remain btw India & US.
The North -South corridor which passes through Iran & in which India is a member can be used to connect to west asia thus reducing China’s role.
Russia follows a policy of active but mostly neutral policy towards the 3 poles -Israel,Iran & Saudis ,India’s approach has also been similar & It also desires stability & growth in the region since we have our own interests in the region & also need to prevent any spread of Fundamentalism & any terrorist safe havens.
India can combine with Russia in many issues here to solve & mediate btw; the issues of Israel-palestine ,shia-sunni& to contribute in reconstruction, develepment & growth ,deradicalisation & counterterrorism efforts in the region.
