Geopolitics of ‘Imaginary Greater Eurasia’ and Russia’s dilemma of Asia-Pacific vs Indo-Pacific strategy: an analysis from India’s strategic perspective

ABSTRACT Russia, because of its location and geopolitical proclivity, through its geopolitical doctrines of ‘Greater Eurasia’ and ‘Asia Pivot’ is interested in playing a major role in the Indo-Pacific. The growing role of the United States along with a marked increase in China’s expansionist policy in the Indo-Pacific region is also generating apprehensions for Russia. India, as a ‘pivotal player’ in the Indo-Pacific region, is also affected by the strategic developments, especially due to China's ‘imperial maneuvering’ in this geopolitical space. Being part of the Quad, and at the same time having a strategic partnership with Russia, provides India with an immense strategic opportunity. India can also strengthen its outreach to the Central Asian geopolitical space, particularly to energy-rich Kazakhstan through Russia’s Siberia and the Far East which connect with the Indo-Pacific. Russia-Ukraine war is also posing additional security challenges to Indo-Pacific.