Russian President Vladimir Putin Arrives in Delhi for High-Stakes Summit With PM Modi
Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in New Delhi on Thursday evening, marking his first state visit to India since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The two-day summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being viewed as one of the most geopolitically significant engagements of the year, taking place at a moment when global alliances are shifting and great-power tensions are deepening.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov framed the visit as a reaffirmation of Russia’s strategic commitment to India, saying, “We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with India.” He added that the bilateral relationship rested on “deep trust and mutual respect,” signalling Moscow’s intent to strengthen ties at a time when the country faces growing diplomatic isolation.
This is far more than a ceremonial photo-op — it is a negotiation between a sanctions-strapped Russia seeking relevance, and a rising India determined to extract strategic value from every partner. The backdrop is unmistakable: New Delhi continues to walk a tightrope, balancing its historic partnership with Moscow against rapidly expanding economic and defense ties with the United States.
Energy at the Core: A Fragile Oil Lifeline
India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude has become the cornerstone of bilateral trade, helping Russia offset Western sanctions while keeping India’s fuel prices stable. However, Washington has intensified scrutiny, with some US lawmakers accusing India of acting as a “laundromat” — refining Russian oil and exporting the end products globally.
Peskov dismissed concerns over falling crude shipments, calling recent disruptions “temporary” and insisting that Moscow is developing “sophisticated mechanisms” to sustain oil flows despite sanctions.
A Trade Boom With Hidden Fault Lines
Bilateral trade surged to $68.7 billion in FY 2024–25, up from $13 billion just three years ago, driven almost entirely by Russia’s energy exports. But the imbalance — India exporting barely $5 billion in goods — remains a key irritant.
For Moscow, India is one of the last major economic partners still open for business. For India, Russia remains a vital source of defense equipment, discounted energy and strategic leverage in a multipolar world.
Yet beneath the optics, Putin’s visit reflects a much harsher reality:
- Europe has nearly eliminated its Russian energy dependence.
- G7 sanctions have crippled Russian shipping and insurance networks.
- Moscow is struggling to access Western technology crucial for its oil and defense sectors.
Against this backdrop, India’s hospitality offers symbolic relief — but the real test will be whether both sides can build a sustainable economic and security model that survives long-term geopolitical turbulence.
Our Final Thoughts
Putin’s 30-hour trip is more than a diplomatic ritual — it is a strategic recalibration under global pressure. As Russia looks to India for economic stability and political legitimacy, New Delhi is leveraging the moment to strengthen its multipolar vision while preserving autonomy between competing superpowers. How both nations navigate this shifting landscape will define the next chapter of one of the world’s most enduring partnerships.
