Putin's India Visit: Strengthening India-Russia Strategic Partnership Amid US Trade Tensions

Putin is in India at a time when New Delhi is engaged in talks with the US

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is in India on a two-day state visit, received a tri-services guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday morning in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan were present at the ceremony among other dignitaries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Russian leader at New Delhi airport with a warm hug and firm handshake, demonstrating the camaraderie of longstanding allies. On the second day of his visit, Putin paid his respects at Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The two leaders then convened at Hyderabad House for the 23rd India-Russia Summit to explore enhanced economic cooperation, particularly in defence, energy, and skilled labor mobility.

Following their discussions, a joint press statement will announce agreements and shared objectives.

Subsequently, both leaders are scheduled to meet with business representatives. Before his evening departure, Putin will attend a banquet hosted by President Murmu in his honor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets, "Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world" pic.twitter.com/I3iBDBNEdg

The Russian delegation includes Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and prominent business figures, such as executives from state arms exporter Rosoboronexport and reportedly the heads of sanctioned oil companies Rosneft and Gazprom Neft.

Prior to Putin's arrival, the Kremlin emphasized the visit's significance as "an opportunity to comprehensively discuss the extensive agenda of Russian-Indian relations as a particularly privileged strategic partnership."

The timing of Putin's visit is noteworthy as it commemorates 25 years of India-Russia strategic partnership, which began during Putin's first presidential term. Since 2000, the two nations have maintained annual summits, alternating between Moscow and New Delhi.

PM Narendra Modi tweets, "Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefitted our people." pic.twitter.com/nDkp3Ek7wz

This tradition was interrupted in 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. PM Modi's planned visit to Russia for the summit that year was postponed.

In 2023, Putin did not attend the G20 summit in New Delhi, largely due to an International Criminal Court warrant related to the Ukraine conflict. Though India is not an ICC member, Western G20 participants would likely have been uncomfortable sharing the forum with Putin.

The annual summit resumed in 2024 when PM Modi visited Russia, with Putin now reciprocating four years later.

Putin's visit occurs as India negotiates with the US regarding trade deals to reduce punitive tariffs imposed by President Trump on Indian goods over Russia-India oil transactions.

Russia has historically been India's primary arms supplier and has expressed interest in importing more Indian products to achieve bilateral trade of $100 billion by 2030, addressing the current imbalance caused by India's energy imports.

Since European nations reduced Russian energy dependency following the Ukraine invasion nearly four years ago, India has significantly increased purchases of discounted Russian crude oil.

Multiple agreements are anticipated in shipping, healthcare, fertilizers, connectivity, and labor mobility to strengthen bilateral relations and trade. Russia remains India's largest military hardware provider, despite New Delhi's recent efforts to diversify procurement sources.

India is expected to request expedited delivery of two additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, having already received three under a $5.4 billion deal from 2018. Delivery delays have been attributed to supply chain disruptions resulting from the Ukraine conflict.

Indian authorities are exploring the acquisition of additional S-400 units or upgraded variants, though no announcements are expected during this visit.

Indian defense planners note that the S-400 system demonstrated effectiveness during a brief military confrontation with Pakistan in May.

Discussions will likely address upgrading India's Russian-made Su-30MKI fighter jets, accelerating essential military hardware deliveries, and improving coordination on joint exercises and disaster response.

Moscow is promoting its stealth fighter jet Su-57 to India, though New Delhi continues evaluating options from various international suppliers.

Washington has criticized India's purchase of discounted Russian oil, claiming it finances Moscow's military operations. In August, US President Trump imposed additional 25% tariffs on Indian imports, raising total duties to 50% as a retaliatory measure. India defends these imports as essential to meeting the energy requirements of its 1.4 billion citizens. This matter is expected to be thoroughly discussed during the visit.