Europe and Eurasia

About Centre

IDSA’s Europe and Eurasia Centre conducts its research both topically and regionally, focusing on the key strategic importance of Europe and the Eurasian region – covering Russia and the former Soviet Republics – to India’s security and foreign policy. While the European continent itself is no longer a major source of threats to India, European involvement and outreach on the global and regional arenas demand active attention to the security and defence policies of European countries and the efforts of major multilateral institutions such as NATO and EU. The Centre continues to host visiting European policy makers, academics, military personnel, diplomats and political leaders for conferences, seminars, lectures, workshops, and informal briefings.

In addition, the Centre focuses on the security and foreign policies of Russia as well as of the post-Soviet republics. India continues to depend on Russian defence supplies and benefits from Russian cooperation in the fields of hydrocarbon and nuclear energy. In the past, India and the erstwhile Soviet Union had invested heavily in a strategic relationship. That continues to be an important goal in official pronouncements. Russia is still politically, diplomatically and militarily important for India.

The Centre has published several books, reports, articles and policy papers on a wide variety of issues in the region. It has been conducting a series of security dialogues with the countries of the region at the bilateral and multilateral levels. The Centre also focuses on security and strategic issues in Central Asia that impact on India. Attention is also directed towards the energy security and economic linkages between India and Central Asian States.

SM Krishna’s Visit to Tajikistan and India’s ‘Connect Central Asia’ Policy

SM Krishna’s visit marks the stepping up of India’s newly pronounced ‘connect Central Asia’ policy, although the biggest challenge is convert the proposals into reality.

Russia’s Destiny is now in Putin’s Hands

Although Russia plays a weak hand due to structural problems in the economy and several deficiencies in the political and social order, Putin will try and leverage Russia’ substantial advantages—energy being one of them—to Russia’s advantage.

Russia-India-China Strategic Triangle: Signalling a Power Shift?

In addition to their alternative vision on political issues, the RIC Foreign Ministers’ meet is gradually expanding trilateral cooperation in several sectors, including disaster relief, agriculture and public health.

Swaran Singh
April 19, 2012
IDSA Comments

Russian Presidential Elections: Domestic Realities and Foreign Policy Initiatives

Although Putin's return to the presidency will probably ensure an element of continuity in the system when looked through the prism of managed democracy, bureaucratic capitalism, and widespread corruption, political and economic reforms are the need of the hour in Russia.

The Eurozone Crisis and India-EU Ties

In the absence of even an FTA, the main challenge before policy makers from India and the EU will be to continue justifying the relevance of a strategic partnership to their respective constituencies.

Gulshan Sachdeva
February 07, 2012
IDSA Comments

Popular Demonstrations in Russia and Putin’s Return to the Presidency

Putin is likely to overcome ongoing protests and return as President in the March elections, although his popularity could fall further if he fails to respond to the growing signs of discontent on significant issues relating to transparency and accountability.

The Libyan Operation and Europe’s Role in Defence and Security

Highlighting the limitations of the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy, this Issue Brief argues that Europe’s role as a global actor in matters of defence and security will remain constrained in the immediate future.

Raphaëlle Khan
December 20, 2011
Issue Brief

Russia Post March 2012: A Prognosis

With Putin expected to assume the Presidency in March 2012, one can expect a more assertive Russia in its dealings with the West though there may not be any major changes in current policies.

Rajorshi Roy
November 29, 2011
IDSA Comments

Ukraine’s Flirtation with China and Russia’s Quest for a Eurasian Union

Ukraine has resisted Russian attempts to draw it into a closer political and economic embrace and has instead explored a closer association with the EU, NATO and even China. Recent developments indicate a turnaround in the Ukrainian attitude and may portend a closer relationship with Russia and the CIS states.

Smita Purushottam
November 04, 2011
Issue Brief

The Chechen Imbroglio: An Update

Terror attacks involving Chechens and other militant Islamist groups have increased in recent years and Russia needs to look beyond military measures.