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Russia, despite economic sanctions and pressure from the West, is strengthening its foothold in the Middle East through strategic partnerships, energy trade, and diplomatic manoeuvring. Its growing influence highlights shifting global power dynamics and the limitations of Western isolation efforts.
Growing Russian Presence Beyond Europe
New Delhi: The United States and West might have written off Russia due to stretched economic resources and elongated military conflict in Ukraine. Economic sanctions and tariffs have disrupted Russian economy but it has bankrolled its economy with the help of its vast energy wealth.
Russia might be losing its grip in Europe but it is gaining grounds in the middle east to make its presence felt in geo-politics.
In spite of the fact that US has punished India over the purchase of Russian oil and threatened other countries with 100% tax. To keep its economy buoyant, Russia has rerouted trade flows through Gulf intermediaries.
Russia through its shadow fleet has expanded its footprint both as a transit hub and consumer market for its petroleum products, foodstuffs, petrochemical, IT technologies, and investment capitals.
Moscow's biggest customers include China, India and Turkey. Sanctions maintenance is a big a task. Russia and China have capabilities to evade sanctions.
Russia has embedded itself in the Middle East by supporting Iran, signing pacts with UAE and Saudi Arabia to invest in its economy. Western attempts to isolate Russia failed to deliver desired results.
The US and Europe often disagree on Middle East policy and Moscow thrive on these gaps. Most of Gulf monarchies trust Moscow and maintain strong relations with Russia, despite deep security ties with Washington. No Gulf nation joined hands with the Western allies to support sanctions against Moscow.
Instead UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced an ambition to double trade turnover with Russia in the next five years. Russia’s diplomatic moves create political and financial breathing room against Western pressure.
A NATO member Turkey is also importing oil from Russia, shows fragmentation in the European Union on sanctions against Moscow.
The Western policymakers realise that complacency against Russia can be dangerous. Russian expansionist ambitions, survivalist mindset with disruptive and strategic spoiler makes its dangerous operator in the new geopolitical world order.
Russia continues to support and arm countries who stand against US and the West. Kremlin turns West’s vulnerability into opportunism. Russia still calls the shots inspite of West perspective of weaking Kremlin.
