Russia is a large nation located in Europe and Asia. In the past, Russia controlled a great empire, stretching east to the Ob River, and south down through central Asia and into the Indian subcontinent, conquering lands from Persia, giving Russia access to the Arabian Sea. Russia was a major power in Indian politics during the period of European colonization. Russia had long craved Siberian lands held by Japan, a major factor in numerous wars between Russia and Japan.