Putin's visit to India focuses on defense and trade discussions

President Vladimir Putin is commencing a two-day visit to India on Thursday, aiming to bolster defence cooperation while New Delhi navigates mounting US pressure to reduce Russian oil imports. This marks Putins first trip to India since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict.

Accompanied by a delegation including Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Putin is expected to discuss a potential fighter jet agreement. On Thursday, he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a private dinner, followed by a summit and business discussions the following day.

Trade and defence are central to the talks, as India balances its reliance on strategic Russian supplies with concerns over upsetting the United States amid ongoing tariff negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted the importance of Russia's advanced S-400 air defence systems on the agenda. India currently operates three S-400 units, with two additional units pending delivery under a 2018 agreement delayed by the Ukraine war and Western sanctions. Reports suggest Russia may also propose co-production of Su-57 fighter jets.

India, one of the largest global arms importers, has historically depended on Russia. However, domestic production has grown in recent years. The Russian share of Indias arms imports declined from 76% in 2009-2013 to 36% in 2019-2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Putins visit follows US-imposed tariffs of 50% on most Indian products, retaliating against New Delhis Russian oil purchases, which Washington argues support Russias military efforts in Ukraine. India, benefiting from discounted Russian crude, has been a key customer amid Moscows exclusion from European markets. Nonetheless, India has recently reduced imports under pressure from sanctions affecting Russian energy companies Rosneft and Lukoil.

Peskov emphasized that Russia is not worried about US tariffs, stating that the focus is on maintaining and expanding bilateral trade without outside interference. Nandan Unnikrishnan from the Observer Research Foundation noted that, despite potential reductions in energy imports, strategic ties between the countries will remain strong.

Even with lower Russian energy purchases, Moscow continues to supply crucial spare parts for Indias existing military equipment. A senior Indian foreign ministry official, speaking anonymously, highlighted the need to address trade imbalances, with bilateral trade reaching $68.7 billion in 2024-25, while Indian exports comprised only $4.88 billion. India is seeking broader market access for sectors including pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and services.

Analysts view Putins visit, his first since December 2021, as a platform to discuss both global developments and the situation in Ukraine. Harsh V Pant of Kings College London described the trip as a strategic reset, signaling Indias intent for autonomy and emphasizing the importance Russia places on the bilateral relationship. Indian officials described the Moscow-Delhi partnership as the most stable relationship in modern times and framed the visit within a bilateral rather than a global context.

Analysis: Putin's Visit to India Amid Global Tensions

President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to India is a critical moment in the ongoing balancing act between Russia, India, and the West. As both nations face growing pressure from the United States, Putin's trip seeks to reaffirm their strong defense and trade ties while addressing strategic challenges. The visit comes at a time when India is under scrutiny from the US for continuing to import Russian oil, despite global sanctions imposed in response to the Ukraine conflict.

The discussions between Putin and Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, will focus on deepening defense cooperation, notably with the potential co-production of fighter jets and the continued supply of the advanced S-400 air defense systems. India has historically relied on Russia for military hardware, but the shift toward increasing domestic production has gradually reduced Russia's share in India's arms imports, from 76% between 2009-2013 to just 36% from 2019-2023. This shift reflects India's growing interest in diversifying its defense partners while maintaining vital strategic links with Russia.

Despite US tariffs and international sanctions, India has remained a key customer for Russian energy. The recent decline in Russian oil imports under Western pressure demonstrates India's pragmatism as it seeks to balance its geopolitical relationships. However, Russia’s role in supplying critical spare parts for India’s military hardware, especially amid its own sanctions, reinforces the importance of the Russia-India defense partnership. The ongoing dialogue is more than just about energy and defense; it also touches on the broader trade imbalance between the two nations, which India seeks to address through expanded access to Russian markets in sectors like pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and services.

In essence, this visit serves as a reminder of the unique and evolving nature of the Russia-India partnership. Despite the challenges presented by global geopolitical shifts and US pressures, India continues to prioritize its national interests by maintaining its strategic autonomy, as reflected in its robust ties with Russia. The visit marks a reset of sorts for both nations, underscoring their determination to avoid being overly influenced by external actors while strengthening bilateral cooperation.

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• Putin visits India for defence, trade talks