The world was surprised in August 1971 when India and the Soviet Union signed a treaty of mutual military protection. The author traces the history of economic relations between the two powers which preceded the political move signalling the end of India's non-alignment. During the period covered by this book, India was the principal recipient of Soviet development assistance: it absorbed 18 per cent of total Soviet aid while only four other countries received more than 4 per cent apiece. The very entry of the USSR as a donor influenced the West, chiefly the Untied States, to increase its...