Soviet Participation in Construction of Indian Metallurgical Plants

Abstract

The article analyses the assistance provided by the USSR to India in construction of metallurgical plants. Strengthening of Soviet-Indian relations began immediately after India’s independence in 1947. 1953 was pivotal for strengthening of economic ties between the two countries. The intergovernmental trade agreement signed on the 2^nd of December became the basis for Soviet-Indian economic cooperation; it was signed for five years but later it was decided to extend the agreement because the parties were satisfied with the result of the cooperation. Partnership was mutually beneficial. Soviet leadership allocated financial aid for India on more than one occasion. Soviet Union helped India develop various industries, however the closest cooperation was in the field of metallurgy. The purpose of the article is to study the model of cooperation between the USSR and India in the construction of metallurgical plants in India. Plants built with the Soviet assistance played an important role in the development of Indian economic capacity. The current intensive development of relations between Russia and India particularly in the field of economy highlights the relevance of the research. The Indian leadership tried to pay more attention to the development of heavy industry in 1950s and 1960s. It was reflected in the first, second and third five-year plans. Construction of the largest metallurgical plant in Bhilai started in this period. The USSR was obliged to ensure the design of the plant, provide the necessary equipment and train Indian specialist in accordance with the agreement. The research is based on documentary and historical analysis. A number of archival documents used in the article has not been studied before. The result of the study allowed describing the Soviet-Indian interaction in the field of metallurgy and assessing the significance of cooperation.