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RUSSO-INDIAN TRADE RELATIONS 143
herself with the most suitable and cheapest article of which
she stands in need. Russia is willing and able to render her
valuable services in this direction. Commerce is a potent
lever in welding mutual interests together, fostering mutual
appreciation and friendly intercourse. The-existing alliance
between the British Empire and Russia favours the
establishment of strong and broad commercial relations between
Russia and India. It is now time to take advantage of this
favourable juncture.
Lancashire has nothing to fear from Russian trade in India.
For some time to come Russia will not be in a position to
compete with Great Britain in the importation of
manufactured goods, and even if such were the case, Great Britain
would not be the loser. The Indian market can
accommodate both. Under the wise administration of Great Britain,
the purchasing power of the ryot is steadily rising, and the
requirements of civilized life are spreading. Great Britain
will not be able to cope with the demand by herself alone,
and may, therefore, be glad to avail herself of some assistance
from Russia, more particularly so as, in return for such
exports to India, Russia will carry on an importation trade
from that country, thereby contributing to the further
development of Indian wealth and importance.
Of course in advocating the development of Russo-Indian
trade relations it is not laid down that India should merely
export raw materials to Russia in exchange for manufactured
goods. Such a course would be quite incompatible in a
great country which is developing steadily, and in which
industry and manufacture are bound to come to the fore.
A fair exchange of the commodities of the two countries
would meet the purpose of both. The very nature of
international trade excludes force. Each country exports
precisely those articles she is in a position to sell, and which at
the same time are required by her international customers.
If in future India is able to export to Russia manufactured
articles instead of the raw products she now exports, and if,
on the other hand, Russia needs such merchandise, this sort
of commerce will no doubt be established. Russia is free
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