The USSR helped India against the US and the UK in 1971?

**Rogerbh** · July 16th, 2023, 12:51 AM

https://www.indiatimes.com/news/indi...ar-563248.html

When Russia Stunned US & UK Naval Forces And Helped India Win The 1971 War

https://jainarayanshistoryhelthspace...r-as-an-Indian

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-r...n%20the%20area.

Apparently, 16 Soviet submarines were employed to shield India as it defeated Pakistan. I don't recall knowing about this when I was around in 1971. Many Indians believe it - I don't see any American or UK source discuss it. The Wiki only mentions "at least one nuclear submarine."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Task_Force_74

This helps me understand India's stance during this current Ukrainian/Russian conflict.

**BondJmsBond** · July 18th, 2023, 05:38 PM

I didn't know this either.

Looking around a bit, India and Russia have long ties going up and down through the years. India buys Russian arms, but that soured some with the SU-57 fiasco.

India and China both multiplied their imports of Russian energy exponentially after the Ukraine invasion, which helps explain why Russia keeps going despite sanctions.
Hell, the EU circumvents their own sanctions and purchases Russian energy today, crazily investing against themselves. They buy more from Russia today than India does.
https://elements.visualcapitalist.co...fuels-in-2023/

It's not farfetched to think that China and India supply, perhaps not easily identified weapons systems (although India could, they're weapons are Russian made), but assist with basic necessities, which further explain Russia's staying power.

"The report while raising speculations on Russia’s war capability and sustainability also hints at plausible ways whereby other states continue to assist Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in one way or the other putting so-called Western ambitions of Ukraine liberation to hang in balance."

Here's an interesting article about it
https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2023/07/0...s-aspirations/

**Priapus** · August 8th, 2023, 05:33 AM

India, despite actually developing a strong domestic military industry in their own country is very reliant on Russia (and previously China) for their military hardware needs. India is currently in a state of perpetual cold war with Pakistan and an occasional hot war with China. Meanwhile, the US has become increasingly antagonistic with both Russia and China. India on the other hand, has been far more diplomatic as they (correctly) believe that the most likely long-term and large scale conflict will be between the US, AUS, UK alliance (if not outright NATO) and China in the Pacific. If this were to become reality, then India would have a great deal of geopolitical clout to use against the US for trade concessions and weapons deals. As China is a massive energy and food importer with most of their energy coming through the Straits of Hormuz and most of their food coming from America. Their food supply is a no brainer, it's gone. Their energy supply lines could be bolstered by an alliance with India - though it is unlikely. India isn't giving anyone any hints on what they might do, so they can get the best deal for them in the future. Frankly a smart move.

July 16th, 2023, 12:51 AM	#1
Rogerbh Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Land of the free within reasonable limitations Posts: 10,889 Thanks: 50,494 Thanked 91,112 Times in 10,737 Posts	The USSR helped India against the US and the UK in 1971? https://www.indiatimes.com/news/indi...ar-563248.html When Russia Stunned US & UK Naval Forces And Helped India Win The 1971 War https://jainarayanshistoryhelthspace...r-as-an-Indian https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-r...n%20the%20area. Apparently, 16 Soviet submarines were employed to shield India as it defeated Pakistan. I don't recall knowing about this when I was around in 1971. Many Indians believe it - I don't see any American or UK source discuss it. The Wiki only mentions "at least one nuclear submarine." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Task_Force_74 This helps me understand India's stance during this current Ukrainian/Russian conflict.

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July 18th, 2023, 05:38 PM	#2
BondJmsBond Vintage Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,059 Thanks: 28,024 Thanked 27,258 Times in 3,004 Posts	I didn't know this either. Looking around a bit, India and Russia have long ties going up and down through the years. India buys Russian arms, but that soured some with the SU-57 fiasco. India and China both multiplied their imports of Russian energy exponentially after the Ukraine invasion, which helps explain why Russia keeps going despite sanctions. Hell, the EU circumvents their own sanctions and purchases Russian energy today, crazily investing against themselves. They buy more from Russia today than India does. https://elements.visualcapitalist.co...fuels-in-2023/ It's not farfetched to think that China and India supply, perhaps not easily identified weapons systems (although India could, they're weapons are Russian made), but assist with basic necessities, which further explain Russia's staying power. "The report while raising speculations on Russia’s war capability and sustainability also hints at plausible ways whereby other states continue to assist Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in one way or the other putting so-called Western ambitions of Ukraine liberation to hang in balance." Here's an interesting article about it https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2023/07/0...s-aspirations/

August 8th, 2023, 05:33 AM	#3
Priapus Vintage Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 511 Thanks: 10,529 Thanked 2,560 Times in 508 Posts	India, despite actually developing a strong domestic military industry in their own country is very reliant on Russia (and previously China) for their military hardware needs. India is currently in a state of perpetual cold war with Pakistan and an occasional hot war with China. Meanwhile, the US has become increasingly antagonistic with both Russia and China. India on the other hand, has been far more diplomatic as they (correctly) believe that the most likely long-term and large scale conflict will be between the US, AUS, UK alliance (if not outright NATO) and China in the Pacific. If this were to become reality, then India would have a great deal of geopolitical clout to use against the US for trade concessions and weapons deals. As China is a massive energy and food importer with most of their energy coming through the Straits of Hormuz and most of their food coming from America. Their food supply is a no brainer, it's gone. Their energy supply lines could be bolstered by an alliance with India - though it is unlikely. India isn't giving anyone any hints on what they might do, so they can get the best deal for them in the future. Frankly a smart move.