Strategic Partnership between Russia and India from the Perspective of National Elites

The focus of the article is analysis prospects relationship between Russia and India. author examines attitudes elites in both countries towards each other, using historical sociology, theory cultural hegemony, post-colonialism to explain formation perspectives these elites. objective subjective economic political conditions have, until recently, hindered any genuine efforts bringing two closer, as sides perceived West a more promising partner. This attitude has been shaped by factors, such Indian under influence British political, economic, military culture, reckless admiration victors Cold War Russian elites, which attempted abandon Soviet legacy after collapse USSR. Despite declarations strategic interest forming polycentric world developing bilateral Russian-Indian relations, ties have not supported intentions. However, conflict Ukraine imposition Western sanctions compelled re-evaluate their priorities. They faced with choice: either return orientation, could lead internal discontent, or build stronger China path chosen will depend on position who freedom take neutral stance far from borders, outcomes Ukrainian crisis.