| Sujit Saha |
India’s recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to maintaining an independent foreign policy, despite mounting pressure from the United States. The visit, which marked Putin’s first to India since the invasion of Ukraine, revealed the extent to which New Delhi is willing to assert its strategic autonomy in the face of external demands.
A Symbolic and Strategic Reception
The summit began with an unusual personal gesture by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who greeted Putin on the tarmac before hosting a private dinner. This warm reception was not merely ceremonial; it sent a clear message that India values its longstanding ties with Russia as an integral part of its global strategy. Modi’s actions reaffirmed that India’s relationship with Russia is rooted in “mutual respect and deep trust,” as the prime minister emphasized during his remarks.
Rising Tensions with the U.S.
One of the key points of contention in this relationship, however, has been India’s continued oil imports from Russia, which have drawn sharp criticism from the United States. Washington, under Donald Trump administration, has been pressing India to scale back its purchases of discounted Russian oil, accusing New Delhi of indirectly helping Moscow evade Western sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. The pressure culminated in August, when the US slapped a 25% import tariff on India, citing these energy dealings as justification.
India, however, has labeled this move as unjustified. The Modi government, in a statement during the summit, made it clear that the country would not bow to external pressures when it comes to safeguarding its energy security. Putin, for his part, offered reassurances, pledging uninterrupted oil supplies to India and directly challenging the US’s attempt to interfere in India’s energy choices.
Summit’s Concrete Outcomes
Beyond the rhetoric, the summit was a platform for concrete policy agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Both nations finalized an economic cooperation program designed to double their trade to $100 billion by 2030, up from the current $68.72 billion. This ambitious target highlights the growing trade relationship, largely driven by India’s increased imports of Russian oil, which have significantly boosted bilateral trade figures since 2020.
In addition to energy, defense cooperation remained a focal point of the talks. Both countries agreed to deepen their defense ties, including the joint production of advanced military platforms. This continued collaboration in the defense sector is a testament to the decades-long partnership between the two nations, even as India explores diversifying its arms suppliers.
Broader Geopolitical Implications
The summit also underscored the strategic balancing act that India has been executing on the global stage. While maintaining close ties with Russia, India has also been careful to preserve its relations with the United States and other Western nations. Despite the geopolitical challenges, India continues to emphasize the importance of its relationship with Russia, particularly in the context of countering global challenges such as sanctions from the US and EU.
Putin’s visit also included discussions on critical minerals, supply chains, and a potential free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which would further enhance economic cooperation between Russia and India. Moreover, Russia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting India’s energy needs and to expanding cooperation in sectors such as shipbuilding and civil nuclear energy.
A Relationship Unaffected by External Pressures
The India-Russia summit stands as a clear signal of New Delhi’s determination to pursue an independent foreign policy. Despite external pressures, especially from Washington, India has shown that its partnership with Russia remains a cornerstone of its long-term strategic interests. As both countries continue to deepen their ties, the world will be watching closely to see how this complex relationship evolves in the face of growing geopolitical challenges.
Suit Saha is a South Asia geopolitics expert specializing in Indian politics.
South Asia Newslog 