Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a pivotal state visit, with talks scheduled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at deepening economic, defence, and energy cooperation. The summit, occurring against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, underscores New Delhi's delicate diplomatic balancing act between its longstanding partner Moscow and its strategic ties with Washington.
Economic Ties and Energy Security Under Scrutiny
The agenda is heavily centred on bolstering bilateral trade and addressing energy security. A key point of discussion will be India's continued import of discounted Russian crude oil, a practice that has drawn criticism and retaliatory tariffs from the United States. Washington argues these purchases help fund Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine.
India has defended its energy imports as essential for meeting the needs of its 1.4 billion people. Experts suggest New Delhi will signal it has no intention of completely severing energy links with Russia. Future import levels, however, may be influenced by market forces and the effectiveness of recent U.S. sanctions on Russian oil majors like Rosneft and Lukoil.
Beyond oil, the two nations are expected to sign agreements facilitating trade in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles, while also discussing long-term fertiliser supplies and the regulated migration of Indian skilled workers to Russia.
Defence Cooperation and Delayed Deliveries
Defence remains a cornerstone of the India-Russia relationship. High on India's list is securing faster delivery of two remaining S-400 surface-to-air missile squadrons under a $5.4 billion deal signed in 2018. Deliveries have been delayed due to supply chain issues linked to the Ukraine conflict.
Indian officials are also likely to explore the possibility of acquiring additional S-400 units or an upgraded variant, though no immediate contract is anticipated. Further talks will cover upgrades to India's Russian-made Su-30MKI fighter jets and accelerating deliveries of other critical military hardware.
Despite India's efforts to diversify its arms suppliers in recent years, Russia continues to be its largest provider of defence equipment.
The Diplomatic Tightrope Over Ukraine
The summit takes place as the United States renews its push for a Ukraine peace plan. Prime Minister Modi has consistently avoided condemning Russia outright for the conflict, instead emphasising dialogue and a peaceful settlement.
International affairs analyst Sreeram Sundar Chaulia noted that while India has avoided a formal mediating role to prevent complicating ties with either side, behind-the-scenes diplomacy by Modi is feasible. He suggested the Indian leader might urge Putin to accommodate some Ukrainian and European concerns to help end hostilities.
This visit, Putin's first to India since 2021, is a testament to the enduring, if complex, partnership between two global heavyweights, each navigating a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
