Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for his first visit to India in four years, meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss trade, defence cooperation, and peace efforts in Ukraine. The visit comes amid Western sanctions on Russia that have strained its traditional trade networks, while India has sought to balance relations with both Moscow and Washington.

 The two leaders also used the occasion to underscore growing economic and strategic ties, including cooperation in high-tech, aviation, space, and defence sectors.

Why It Matters

India has become a key buyer of Russian energy and arms, even as the United States has imposed tariffs to discourage such trade. At the same time, New Delhi is negotiating a trade deal with Washington to ease these punitive measures. Modi’s support for peace in Ukraine positions India as a potential mediator in the conflict, while maintaining its strategic partnership with Russia. The summit highlights the delicate balancing act India faces in pursuing economic growth, energy security, and diplomatic influence amid U.S.-Russia tensions.

Key Agreements and Initiatives

The two countries are expected to announce a series of trade and investment deals at the conclusion of formal talks. Among these, Indian firms are preparing to partner with Russia’s Uralchem group to establish a urea plant in Russia. Russian banks, including Gazprombank and Alfa Bank, are seeking approval to operate in India, facilitating bilateral trade. Defence cooperation also remains strong, with Russian officials affirming readiness to support India in achieving self-reliance in defence production.

Efforts Toward Ukraine Peace

During the summit, Modi emphasized India’s commitment to peace, stating that the country supports “every effort for peace” in Ukraine. Putin acknowledged India’s diplomatic efforts, noting discussions on collaborative steps toward a possible peaceful settlement. The visit followed Putin’s talks with U.S. envoys on Ukraine, which did not produce a breakthrough, underscoring India’s growing role as a strategic interlocutor.

Challenges and Geopolitical Context

Putin’s visit highlights India’s tightrope in foreign policy. By strengthening ties with Russia, India risks friction with the U.S., while overtly siding with Washington could jeopardize its longstanding Moscow partnership. Analysts describe India’s position as a “conundrum,” balancing global trade, defence cooperation, and diplomatic influence, while navigating U.S. and European scrutiny over Russian energy imports.

With information from Reuters.