RUSSIAN INVOLVEMENT IN THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION

In the Soviet Union era, Moscow was constantly present in the Indian Ocean region through naval engagement (in the water of Somalia). After the disintegration of Soviet Union its surveillance in the region decreased due to internal pressures. Despite being far away from the Indian Ocean, this region has always been pivotal in the country's strategy. In 2020, the Government of Russia announced “Maritime Doctrine 2020” that highlighted Russia’s aim to build new sea terminals in the Indian Ocean.
According to the 2010 strategy of Russian Port infrastructure development, “Russia will be undertaking various investment initiatives aimed at renovating existing port infrastructure and developing new marine terminals.” For example port (Astrakhan port) in the Caspian Sea will connect Russia with the operating ports of Kazakhstan, Iran and India.
Furthermore, Russian Navy has been more proactive in the past few years. Indian Ocean has become an important region for them. An example of its engagement is its presence in the Combined Task Force (CTF-151) in which Russian ships are operating in the Arabian Sea with the cooperation of other states (US, Japan, Kuwait, India, Pakistan, Korea, Singapore, and Turkey) for combating piracy near the coast of Africa. Besides the counter piracy operations, this presence in the region allows Russia access in the Indian Ocean more conveniently.
In recent years, the importance of Indian Ocean has grown due to the risks to sea lines of communication because of rivalry between India and China. The possibility of Russia securing a naval base in the Indian Ocean would complicate the issue, as it would be both symbolic and strategic in value. Russia-China cooperation in the region poses a greater threat to the US. They can team up to counter the US influence in the region. The relationship is viewed as primarily "symbolic" with Beijing and Moscow attempting to expand their respective areas of influence.
Historically, Moscow has established a well identified strategic relationship with India, closely linked up with Sri Lanka and, more recently, enhanced strategic relations with Pakistan. Russian involvement in the Indian Ocean region includes three main vectors. Russia is increasing influence by constructing partners (Sudan, India, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Pakistan, South Africa and Seychelles) involving geographical connection networks to the Indian Ocean. Russia is also planning to construct military bases in the Egypt, Central African Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique and Sudan.
In next paragraph, Russia’s military engagement is discussed

MILITARY:

Russia with the other regional countries is helping in combating piracy, maritime terrorism, militant opposition and reinforcing regional defense and power projection. Militarily, China and Russia are vying for influence the Indian Ocean region. Their combined influence in the IOR may impose trouble for the United States and its partners. The two nations are expected to work together to reduce international pressure on their partners (Sudan, South Africa, Pakistan, Mozambique). In exchange those partners will receive the security benefit (for example, military access, collective defence etc.) and economic advantage (for example, business preferential relationships). There is truth to Iranian Admiral Hossein Khanzadi’s proclamation that Russia and China coordination means “the era of American free action in the region is over.”
Acting upon the Russian port strategy (mentioned above) Russia has also established a naval base in the port of Sudan. With the agreement of 25 year Russia is allowed to facilitate four ships and 300 personnel at Port Sudan. This base is used as a support center and this deal also allows Russia to use Sudan’s airport for the transport of weapons. With this military base, Russia will have a strategic footprint along the Red Sea linking the Asian and European waters and is one of the busiest waterways worldwide. In 2017, in the mouth of the Red Sea, China set up the first military base in Djibouti. (US permanent base is also in Djibouti) Russia's commercial priorities in the Indian Ocean include the utilization and protection of its national resource sector (such as gas, mining, oil and nuclear industry). Moscow is ambitious to secure its presence in the Indian Ocean region together with thorough economic ties with its old Soviet clients (India, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Sudan) as well as possibly new allies (for example, Pakistan, South Africa).
Russian military activities in the Western Indian Ocean region include:

• Military patrols in the Gulf of Aden/Horn of Africa for combating piracy. (since 2009)
• Special activity in the Gulf of Aden for hydrographic survey and intelligence gathering.
• Maritime code name-MOSI practice off the Cape of Good Hope with China and South Africa. (2019)
• Naval exercises with China (Iran-Russia Security belt 2021), Iran in the Gulf of Oman in 2019 and 2021
• Regular patrolling in the waters of countries such as Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, Oman, South Africa and Sudan

In early February this year, Russia intensified its naval exercise in the Indian Ocean. Russian Navy took part in two exercises in the Indian Ocean. One with Iran (Iran-Russia Security Belt 2021) and other with Pakistan’s led multilateral exercise AMAN-21.

ECONOMIC INTEREST:

Russia is enhancing its economic ties with the other regional countries of Asia and Africa. In 2019 Russian President Vladimir Putin declared plan to trade double with the African countries over US$40 billion per annum by year 2025. Russia is broadening global economic engagement. Russia’s rising commercial interest in Africa has increased its interest in sea lines of communications, notably along the Africa’s east and west coast which are now considered as important zones.
Russia has no strategies or means for acting as a key policy counterweight to the US or China, but promotes itself as an alternative power base. As during the Cold War, Russia will try to monitor U.S. naval activity in the Indian Ocean. Russia is gaining naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean that will again make it one of leading maritime powers in the region. Though maybe less noticeable than the USA or China, Russia is attempting to come back as a player in diplomatic and strategic relations of the Indian Ocean.
China and Russia can steadily step up their Indian Ocean policy coordination if the intention is there. The US and its allies are still capable of military dominance in the region. Furthermore, we cannot be sure whether Russia and China will come together for influence. China and Russia are introducing themselves as strong alternative powers, the US and allies have to work much harder to promote sustainable economic development, defend international regulations and standards, and guarantee peace and security in the region.