India’s independence came at a turbulent global moment. Partition had created a rival in its neighbourhood, and Kashmir's initial reluctance to join India had generated a flashpoint.

Left alone, India and Pakistan may have sorted out their problems, militarily or otherwise. But global dynamics were interfering with the subcontinent’s complex rivalry.

Post-world-war geopolitics was in the grip of Soviet-US animus, and every nation was expected to choose a side.

Under Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership, India believed it could pursue a policy of strategic neutrality, “not relying on crumbs from one side or the other.” But an opportunistic and wily Pakistan, and a myopic Washington nudged India towards the Soviets. This is the story of India's friendship with Moscow, born out of Cold War realis

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