Russia has gained large influence in west Asia due to its smart use of soft & hard power.
Role of Russia’s:-
1. Has filled power vacuum, 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 is 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 focusing on fighting extremism abroad & denying it growth.
6. While Trumps policies have angered nations thus losing influence Russia 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 & India’s 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, development & growth , radicalisation & counterterrorism efforts in the region.
