Putin and Modi start India summit amid looming trade and US sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have commenced a full-day summit in New Delhi, with discussions expected to center on trade relations and the impact of Western sanctions tied to the conflict in Ukraine.

This marks Putins first visit to India since the 2022 escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war. India is seeking relief from U.S. sanctions imposed due to its ongoing purchases of Russian oil, while Moscow aims to strengthen its ties with India, the largest importer of Russian military equipment.

Officials have expressed ambitions to raise bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, building on a record $68 billion in 2024.

Modi welcomed Putin warmly on Thursday at New Delhi airport with a hug and handshake, followed by a private dinner at the Indian Prime Ministers residence.

Fridays agenda includes a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan for a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu, a trip to the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat, and discussions at Hyderabad House. The leaders are expected to address the press and meet business and trade representatives. Putin is scheduled to leave India at 9 PM local time (15:30 GMT).

Strategic Partnership and Diplomatic Balancing

Russia and India have maintained a strategic partnership for 25 years, beginning in Putins first year in office. However, balancing relations with both Washington and Moscow has grown more complex since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which disrupted annual leader visits. Modi visited Russia last year, partially restoring this tradition.

While Western nations reduced reliance on Russian oil during the conflict, India increased its imports. In August, the U.S. raised tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 50% to discourage purchases of Russian oil, aiming to pressure Russia toward a ceasefire. India continued buying Russian oil despite this, though November sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, along with threats to foreign trading partners, have heightened tensions. These two companies supply around 60% of Indias oil imports.

New Delhi has criticized the sanctions as unfair, pointing out that Western countries continue to engage economically with Russia when it suits their interests. Putin echoed this stance in a pre-arrival interview, noting that the U.S. still buys Russian nuclear fuel and asserting India should enjoy similar rights.

Defense procurement is also on the agenda, with Russia aiming to sell India additional S-400 missile systems and Su-57 stealth fighters, despite U.S. pressure.

The summit follows recent diplomatic efforts by Putin in Moscow, where he met a U.S. delegation seeking progress on the Ukraine conflict. India has maintained a neutral stance, calling for peace through dialogue rather than condemning Russia.

Author: Ethan Caldwell