Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for a two-day state visit, where he will hold summit talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at boosting trade, defence collaboration and energy ties.The meeting comes at a delicate moment as India navigates US pressure over its imports of Russian oil and expanding strategic partnership with Moscow.Putin’s visit -- his first to India in four years -- comes as New Delhi negotiates with Washington over punitive tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump in response to India’s purchases of discounted Russian crude.

India has become the top buyer of seaborne Russian oil, a role that has grown since European states cut reliance on Moscow after the Ukraine invasion.Moscow, meanwhile, wants to expand imports of Indian goods and push bilateral trade toward a $100 billion target by 2030, rebalancing flows currently weighted toward Russian energy exports. Foreign policy analyst Michael Kugelman described India’s dilemma starkly: deepening ties with either Washington or Moscow risks damaging relations with the other. Modi greeted Putin with a hug and handshake as the Russian leader arrived at an airport near New Delhi.

The pair later shared a private dinner at the prime minister’s residence, reflecting the personal warmth that has long underscored India–Russia ties. Putin was accompanied by senior officials, including Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, who met Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Following the talks, India’s defence ministry said Russia was prepared to help India achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The visit follows Putin’s consultations with top US envoys on a possible Ukraine peace deal -- talks that ended without agreement. 

India has resisted Western pressure to condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine, instead urging peace through “dialogue and diplomacy.” New Delhi argues its relationship with Moscow is unfairly targeted, noting that Western nations continue trade with Russia when economically beneficial.Putin challenges US criticism of India’s oil imports In an interview with India Today aired shortly after his arrival, Putin questioned US efforts to restrict India’s purchases of Russian crude.

He argued that Washington itself continues to buy Russian nuclear fuel for its reactors. “If the US has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn’t India have the same privilege?” he said, adding he was open to discussing the matter with Trump. India, facing a punitive 50% tariff on its goods imposed by Trump, has repeatedly called the US position unreasonable and inconsistent, pointing out that the US and EU still import billions of dollars in Russian commodities. 

Despite recent dips in Indian crude imports -- now projected to hit a three-year low -- Putin insisted bilateral oil trade remains “smooth” and stable. India–Russia commerce rose from $13 billion in 2021 to nearly $69 billion in 2024–25, driven overwhelmingly by Indian energy imports. However, trade fell to $28.25 billion between April and August 2025 due to reduced oil shipments.

Both governments say they want a more balanced and diversified economic relationship. Russia is seeking more Indian goods, while Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal outlined New Delhi’s aims to expand exports of automobiles, electronics, machinery, textiles, foodstuffs, and other products.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)