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

Russia is one of India's top arms suppliers.

New Delhi:

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India on December 5-6 for a summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as relations between the two nations strengthen following the United States' imposition of punitive tariffs on New Delhi over its Russian oil purchases, according to sources.

The high-level visit was initially announced during National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval's August trip to Moscow, though dates weren't finalized at that time. Subsequently, the Russian President met with PM Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, where the leaders engaged in an hour-long discussion inside Putin's limousine.

The timing of this visit coincides with growing tensions between New Delhi and Washington regarding India's trade relations with Russia. US President Donald Trump has imposed 25 percent tariffs on Indian goods as a punitive measure for New Delhi's Russian oil purchases. Washington maintains this action is part of efforts to pressure Moscow to end its military operations in Ukraine.

India has defended its position, stating it imported oil "from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict".

Energy revenues represent a crucial funding source for Moscow's state budget. Ukraine's Western allies have attempted to reduce Russia's export earnings since the military campaign began in February 2022. However, Russia has successfully redirected energy sales from Europe to countries including India and China, ensuring the continuation of multi-billion-dollar revenue flows.

India and Russia share a long-established relationship, with bilateral trade and investment connections dating back to the Soviet era. The two nations have continuously enhanced their economic cooperation, with bilateral trade reaching record levels.

Russia remains among India's primary arms suppliers. Since the conflict began nearly four years ago, India has also emerged as one of the largest importers of Russian oil.

President Putin's upcoming visit represents a significant moment in India's geopolitical strategy. The timing—coinciding with Trump's tariff implementation—could highlight the resilience of Indo-Russian relations, even as New Delhi works to manage its complex relationship with Washington.

Putin has substantially limited his international travel amid the Ukraine conflict, for which he faces an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. India, not being a party to the ICC, has no obligation to detain the Russian leader.