Some in Moscow are apparently concerned that Russia may lose out as a result of closer relations between its traditional ally and arms client on the subcontinent and the U.S. at a time when Russia is seeking to increase its traditionally lucrative trade with India to offset Western sanctions.
“There are some people in the Russian political elite who worry about close relations between India and the United States,” said Pyotr Topychkanov from the Carnegie Moscow Center think tank.
“They think that India is a battlefield between the U.S. and Russia, just as Ukraine is a battlefield and Syria was a battlefield.”