Putin Delhi Visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a significant two day visit, where he was warmly greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of their annual summit. The meeting carries major diplomatic weight as both Delhi and Moscow prepare to announce several agreements at a time when global pressure on India, especially from the United States, has sharply intensified over its continued purchase of Russian crude.
Putins Delhi Visit Signals Major Oil interests at the heart of the renewed engagement. India, one of the largest energy consumers in the world, has dramatically increased its intake of discounted Russian crude over the past two years. Before the Ukraine conflict, Russian oil made up only a tiny share of India’s total imports. That changed rapidly when sanctions pushed Moscow out of European markets and opened a window for India to secure cheaper energy. At one point, Russian supply reached more than a third of India’s oil imports, although recent pressure from Washington has caused a notable decline.
Modi–Putin Delhi Talks to Reshape Oil Cooperation and Defence Geopolitics
The United States under President Donald Trump has tightened tariffs and criticised Delhi for enabling Russian revenue streams. India’s exports to America were hit by new duties, creating friction that has complicated its diplomatic balancing act. This has made Putin’s visit especially important for Modi, who now must carefully manage ties with Russia while ensuring relations with Western partners do not deteriorate further.
The long standing defence partnership between India and Russia remains another central pillar of the relationship. Moscow has been a key supplier of advanced weapons for decades, from aircraft to air defence systems. Reports suggest India is considering purchases of updated Russian technology, including next generation fighter aircraft and new missile defence units. However, Russia faces internal challenges due to labour shortages and limited access to components affected by sanctions. This has caused delays in previous deliveries, prompting Modi to seek firm assurances from Putin on deadlines.
Beyond defence, labour and skilled workers represent an emerging area of cooperation. Russia, dealing with a reduced workforce due to the war, sees India as a valuable partner that can help fill critical gaps. Geopolitics is another major theme during the visit. The Kremlin is eager to demonstrate that efforts by Western nations to isolate Moscow have not succeeded. Putin’s travel to India, along with earlier meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, reinforces Russia’s message that it still commands strong influence across Asia and maintains important relationships outside the Western sphere.
For India, the task is to preserve its strategic autonomy. Modi wants to maintain productive relationships with Russia, the United States and Europe simultaneously. But recent criticism from European envoys over Russia’s stance on Ukraine has increased pressure on Delhi. Trade remains a major challenge. While bilateral trade has risen sharply due to energy imports, the imbalance is heavily tilted toward Russia. Modi hopes to expand opportunities for Indian goods in the Russian market and reduce reliance on oil and defence as the main drivers of trade. Putin’s Delhi Visit Signals Major Oil but also highlights the broader strategic calculations facing both nations as they seek stability, economic growth and influence in an increasingly divided world.
source:BBC
