Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Delhi for a high-stakes summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking his first visit to the country since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The meeting comes at a critical juncture, with the United States applying significant pressure on India to scale back its economic and defence cooperation with Moscow.
A Warm Welcome Amid Global Scrutiny
The Russian leader received a notably warm reception upon landing on Thursday. Prime Minister Modi greeted President Putin on the tarmac with a hug on a red carpet, a gesture highlighting the enduring, if complex, partnership between the two nations. The two leaders then travelled together in the same car to a private dinner, mirroring the hospitality Putin showed Modi during their last meeting in China in September.
This visit represents a significant step for Putin on the international stage. Since the 2022 invasion, Russia has faced widespread condemnation, becoming a global pariah with restrictions limiting the number of countries its president can visit without risk of arrest.
Defence and Energy Top the Agenda
The substantive talks between the two leaders are scheduled for Friday, with a packed agenda centred on strengthening bilateral ties. Key discussion points are expected to include major defence deals, particularly the ongoing delivery of Russian S-400 Triumf air defence systems and potential discussions around the advanced Sukhoi Su-57 fighter aircraft.
Beyond military hardware, energy purchases and wider economic engagement will be crucial topics. India has significantly increased its intake of discounted Russian oil following the Ukraine war, a move that has drawn intense scrutiny from Western allies.
The Shadow of US Pressure and Tariffs
The summit unfolds against a backdrop of very public pressure from Washington. Former US President Donald Trump has recently ramped up calls for India to halt its Russian oil purchases. This pressure culminated in the US imposing a punishing additional 25% tariff on certain Indian imports, a move widely interpreted as a direct response to Delhi's continued trade with Moscow.
Simultaneously, the US is advocating for a peace deal in Ukraine that some analysts suggest could favour Moscow, adding another layer of geopolitical complexity to the Delhi talks. The outcome of this summit will be closely watched in Western capitals, particularly for any signals about the future of India's strategic balancing act between Russia and the United States.
