Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/uks-johnson-offer-india-help-build-its-own-fighter-jets-2022-04-21/
Boris Johnson, the UK Prime Minister, visited the Indian capital of New Delhi on Friday to talk with the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, about strengthening security ties between the two countries. India buys more than half of its military hardware from Russia. There is no bad blood over India’s lack of condemnation of Russia’s Ukraine invasion and both Prime Ministers want the war to end as soon as possible. Johnson claims the trade deal could double their trade and investments by the end of the decade. Britain is also going to help India with its goal of building its own fighter jets. India is still going to be reliant on Russian military equipment, in part because it costs less and more items are available. The deal would also help India to sell more rice and textiles to the UK.
This situation is indicative of warming ties between India and the West. With China continuing to grow powerful, India needs to bolster its defense, especially to gain control over the Kashmir region which is disputed by both India and Pakistan, as well as China. Though friendly relations with India are only a recent occurrence, it bodes well that they are already making security deals with the West even in the midst of the Russia-Ukraine War. As India becomes a more developed country, they are going to be making many trade deals with other countries to ensure a steady flow of imports and exports to boost their economy and support their enormous population. They likely see the benefits of leaning towards the West, especially given how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has developed, though they want to keep Russia and other countries of the East on their side so that they can come out on top no matter what. With China and India skirmishing at times, there is no reason for India to forgo strengthening ties with the West; an Eastern ally is very beneficial to the West for security against China as well.
India appears to be taking a liberal approach to international relations. The principle of reciprocity is represented through the trade deal with Britain, which benefits both countries. Similarly, their relationship with Russia also proves beneficial for both countries which is part of why there is no reason for them to cease. However, India is indirectly funding the war in Ukraine by trading with Russia, especially in such large amounts, so there may be a push for them to trade more with others. If India chooses not to stop, then the liberal approach may stop working as well and countries such as Britain or the US could take a realist approach with dominance involved through actions like sanctions.