New Delhi, Nov. 4 -- The mutual respect and understanding between India and Russia began hundreds of years ago. This is why the West does not understand the decisions these countries make with regard to each other concerning Ukraine, China, and the countries of Eurasia. The former does not understand their history together, which provides the underpinning for their close relationship.

Geography does not necessarily determine neighbors and friendship. For centuries, India and Russia have developed an uncharacteristic historical relationship, without immediate geographic proximity. Archaeological evidence and historical linguistic similarities reveal that cultural ties were forged from ancient times. At one time, the Sanskrit and old Slavo...