Putin arrived in New Delhi for talks with Modi to deepen Russia-India cooperation.

Himasha Dissanayake, JadeTimes Staff

H. Dissanayake is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: The Khamma Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a state visit focused on reinforcing Russia-India bilateral, strategic and economic ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received Putin at the airport with a warm embrace, signaling the long-standing familiarity between the two leaders.

Modi will host Putin for a private dinner before formal talks on Friday as part of the 23rd India-Russia Summit. Discussions are expected to center on defense cooperation, energy partnerships and the mobility of skilled labor — three pillars that continue to define the relationship between the two nations.

Putin’s visit comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, with the United States intensifying efforts to push for a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India’s decision to host Putin is seen as a test of New Delhi’s diplomatic balancing act between Moscow and Washington, particularly as India pursues major trade agreements with both the U.S. and the European Union.

Ahead of the trip, Putin praised India as a “great power” and emphasized collaboration in advanced technologies, nuclear energy and space exploration. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Western sanctions but insisted that countries restricting third-party trade would “ultimately suffer losses themselves.”

Trade and Economic Cooperation

Bilateral trade reached $68.7 billion in the last fiscal year, heavily skewed toward Russian exports — driven primarily by discounted crude oil. India aims to boost its currently modest $4.88 billion export volume by expanding sales of marine goods, agriculture products, automobiles and pharmaceuticals. Officials expect multiple agreements in shipping, connectivity, health care and labor mobility to be signed during the visit.

Defense as the Core Focus

Russia remains India’s largest defense supplier despite New Delhi’s gradual diversification of military procurement. Hours before Putin’s arrival, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to explore new opportunities in defense technology and manufacturing.

Key agenda items include the delayed delivery of two remaining S-400 missile systems under a $5.4 billion deal, upgrades to India’s Su-30MKI fleet and enhanced cooperation in joint military exercises. Moscow is also promoting its Su-57 stealth fighter, though India has not committed.

Pressure From the United States

Washington has criticized India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, arguing it indirectly supports Moscow’s war effort. The recent decision by the U.S. administration under President Trump to impose additional tariffs on Indian imports has increased economic tensions. India maintains that its oil purchases are essential to meet the country’s massive energy demand.

Political analysts say the summit offers both nations a chance to reaffirm their partnership despite mounting Western pressure. While India has slightly reduced its intake of Russian crude, New Delhi is expected to prioritize defense ties with Moscow given its security concerns involving China and Pakistan.

Putin’s visit, his first to India since 2021, underscores that the Russia-India relationship continues to hold strategic relevance for both sides, even as global alignments shift.