Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev stirred up a hornet’s nest by virtually giving a clean chit to Pakistan on the issue of terrorism, much to the disbelief of policy-makers and strategic experts in India.

His remark, made on Monday evening at a discussion on India-Russia relations, that Pakistan has taken serious measures to tackle terror financing surprised many in his host country.

New Delhi has reasons to feel upset as it has in recent months intensified its campaign to isolate Pakistan on the issue of terrorism, particularly against its neighbours.

A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said New Delhi still believed that Russia would not do anything that would harm its relations with India or the interests of this country.

‘’Russia is free to improve or enhance its bilateral ties with other nations but we don’t expect it to ignore the sensitivities of its time-trusted friend,’’ the source added.

The source pointed out the partnership between India and Russia was a multi-dimensional one. ‘’We have mutual trust and strategic convergence,’’ the source added.

Experts in India have indeed noticed a perceptible change in Russia’s position on Pakistan in the past few years. This appeared to be an offshoot of India’s attempt to diversify its defence purchases, especially from the West, rather than remaining dependent on Russia.

But Moscow is clearly not amused. It has lately been trying to warm up to Pakistan.

Russia conducted joint anti-terror drills with Pakistan days after Pakistan-based terrorists carried out a major terror attack in Uri in September 2016, killing 18 Indian soldiers. After India registered its protest, Russia promised not to hold joint exercises with Pakistan again. But in December 2016, Russia held its first-ever foreign office consultations with Pakistan.

Russia was one of the few countries that had supported Pakistan at the recent Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting where India and the United States prevailed on China to eventually place Pakistan on the grey list.

On Afghanistan, too, India has noticed a gradual shift in Moscow’s stand, which is more in line with Pakistan’s position. Russia has been nudging the Afghan leadership to open channels of communications with the Taliban while India believes that the militia must first commit itself to adhering to the Afghan Constitution and renounce violence before any dialogue with it.