The Military and Security Dimensions of Soviet-Indian Relations

摘要

This memorandum is concerned with an understanding of the military and security aspect of Soviet-Indian relations and an assessment of the extent to which it has brought gains to the USSR. While the precise determination of Soviet goals in any particular country or region is problematic, the author posits three probable Soviet objectives in India: (1) providing the basis for a stable and predictable bilateral relationship capable of enduring regime changes and periods of uncertainty in India; (2) evoking a responsive attitude to Soviet interests from the Indian leadership; and (3) enlisting India as an asset in Soviet strategy against China. The author concludes that while the military and security dimension of Indo-Soviet relations provides for a durable bilateral relationship and enables the Soviets to establish a presence in India, they have been unable to translate this into a pattern of influence that is both predictable and substantial. (Author)