Globiscope
India and Russia
- Putin aims to expand trade as Russia faces Western sanctions.
- India tries to balance ties with both Russia and the United States.
- Modi and Putin to discuss defence, oil, and nuclear cooperation.
NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday. He aims to boost trade with India, the largest buyer of Russia’s arms and seaborne oil. Western sanctions have pressured Moscow, making this visit strategically important.
Putin Returns to India After Four Years
Putin is visiting India for the first time since 2021. His trip comes as New Delhi negotiates a trade deal with the United States. Washington still maintains tariffs placed by former President Donald Trump over India’s Russian oil purchases.
Russia Seeks Stronger Trade Ties
Moscow has supplied most of India’s arms for decades. Now, Russia wants to increase imports of Indian products. It aims to grow bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. Currently, trade heavily favours Russia because of India’s massive crude oil imports.
India Buys Record Levels of Russian Oil
After Europe reduced its dependency on Russian energy due to the Ukraine invasion, India increased purchases of discounted Russian crude. This shift helped both nations but also created diplomatic challenges.
India Faces Diplomatic Pressure
Analysts say India must carefully navigate relations with both Moscow and Washington. “India faces a conundrum,” wrote Michael Kugelman of the Atlantic Council. “Strengthening ties with one risks weakening ties with the other.”
Key Issues on the Agenda
Modi and Putin will discuss defence, oil cooperation, and civil nuclear energy. Both sides are expected to announce new agreements to highlight the stability of their partnership.
Warm Welcome for Putin
Putin arrived at an airport near New Delhi on Thursday. Modi greeted him with a hug and handshake as he walked down the red carpet. Later, Modi hosted him for a private dinner at his residence.
High-Level Delegation Joins Putin
Putin arrived with a business and government delegation. Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He said Russia is ready to help India become more self-reliant in defence production.
Ukraine Peace Talks Remain Stalled
Putin reached India a day after meeting top US envoys to discuss a possible peace roadmap for Ukraine. However, no breakthrough occurred. India has avoided condemning Russia and instead calls for peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
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