Problems of Russia’s economic security in cooperation with Southeast Asian countries

Introduction. The issues of ensuring national economic security under present conditions are becoming increasingly important. External threats to the modern economy of Russia are mainly associated with the economic sanctions imposed by some of the developed countries of the world and the resulting discrimination of our country in world markets. The refusal by European countries to have trade relations with Russia and the forced orientation of Russia’s economy towards the East have positive aspects and, at the same time, engender certain contradictory trends.

The aim of the study is to consider the impact of the current trends on the issues related to ensuring Russia's economic security in the process of economic relations with some particular countries of Southeast Asia, primarily China and India.

Results. In recent years, as a result of the sanctions policy pursued by Western countries and their partners, Russia, China and other developing countries have been confronted with an extensive system of threats and challenges: the strategic rivalry between China and the USA is on the rise, and the consequences of the "golden billion" countries’ containment policy toward Russia are becoming apparent. In these conditions, both Russia and China are taking necessary measures to ensure regional and global security. 80 joint investment projects are being implemented for a total of almost 20 trillion rubles; within the framework of large integration associations (SCO, BRICS), the countries are striving to strengthen their economic security, overcome partial international isolation, and expand partnerships. It is proposed to develop a model of a "special and privileged strategic partnership" with India in order to solve the problem of trade imbalance between Russia and India by means of increasing the export of products of both traditional (agriculture, pharmaceutical industry, automotive components industry) and new industries.

Conclusion. The relations of Russia with the leading countries of Southeast Asia are characterized by a number of problematic issues posing significant risks and threats, as well as by great potential for further development of foreign economic ties. Russia, China and India are members of BRICS and SCO. The countries need to make every effort to ensure that these organizations become effective institutions for finding compromise solutions aimed at strengthening economic and political security. It is in Russia’s self-interest to treat China and India as long-term strategic partners and not perceive them as two parallel directions of foreign economic policy, between which a choice has to be made, and actively develop their interaction with each other.