4th Dec PSIR Daily current affairs answer writing

daily answer writing

December 4, 2025 Deepak Dalal

PSIR daily current affairs Theory + examples 4^th December 2025

Editorial from Indian Express: Turn soft spot for Russia into hard gains for Delhi

PYQs linkage:

Analyse the drivers of Indo-Russian relations in the post-Cold war era. 20 (2014) (Area of cooperation)
The recent differences between India and Russia are the result of misconceptions than facts. Elucidate. 15(2017) (Area of conflict or concern)
‘Relation between India and Russia are rooted in history, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.’ Discuss. 20(2021) (Area of cooperation)
Arms trade; economic ties and congruent geo-political interest are no longer the three pillars of India- Russia relationship in the emerging strategic context. Comment. 20 (2023) (Area of cooperation)

Theory application: Neoliberal theory, Interdependence
Neo liberals argue that state actors would enter into cooperative agreements if the gains were evenly shared.
Robert Keohane: “cooperation is not automatic, but requires planning and negotiation” (This argument set it apart from democratic peace liberalism—commerce breeds peace. )strong liberals vs weak liberals.
Concepts and keywords: structural Russian interest, multi-polarity, strategic autonomy, peace diplomacy, deterrence, Trump’s commerzpolitik, natural economic interdependence.
Important facts: India exports around $5 billon dollars. Potential for growth as Russia is a $2.5 trillion economy.

Putin visit in 2000 sought to end Russia’s post-Soviet neglect of India.

important quotes or statements: “ its (Indo-Russian ties) narrow government to government interface has little traction among India’s new elites or its dynamic private sector.” (Neoliberal perspective)

“The Russian presence in Indian public life is a faint echo of the Soviet past.” (potential of public diplomacy or soft power)

Key challenges:

Distortion in India’s Russia policy, a partnership built overwhelmingly on defence and nuclear cooperation
Difficult negotiations over Ukraine open the door to a potential restructuring relations among the US, Europe, and Russia.

India’s stakes in Russia-Ukraine peace talks:

India’s interest in stable peace in Ukraine. Due to war stress on India’s doctrine of multi-alignment.

USA angle: imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, citing India’s large purchases of Russian oil.

Europe angle: unsettled by India’s stance on Ukraine.

Putin’s visit gives an opportunity to reaffirm its support for reconciliation in the old continent.
Major expansion of Russian economy
Large scale reconstruction in Ukraine
Indian participation in crucial in both
Opportunity to deepen links with Europe

Way forward:

A durable transformation in Indo-Russian relations, requires building a substantive commercial, technological and scientific partnership. (Neoliberal prescription)
In backdrop of restructuring of relations among the US, Europe and Russia, India must navigate this by strengthening ties with all three.

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