Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for his first visit to India in four years, greeted warmly by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a ceremonial embrace and a 21-gun salute at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The summit, which began formally on Friday, centers on bolstering trade, military-technical cooperation, and advancing peace initiatives in Ukraine.
During opening remarks, Modi underscored India’s position on the conflict in Ukraine, stating, “India is not neutral. India has a position, and that position is for peace. We support every effort for peace, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with every initiative taken for peace.” Putin expressed gratitude for India’s engagement, noting that both countries have discussed potential collaborative steps toward a peaceful settlement with international partners, including the United States.
Trade and economic cooperation form a major component of the talks. Russia, seeking to expand trade with India to $100 billion by 2030, aims to diversify imports of Indian goods while continuing energy exports. India has increased purchases of discounted Russian crude in recent years but reduced imports under pressure from US tariffs. The summit is expected to finalize agreements such as a joint urea plant with Russia’s Uralchem group and allow Russian banks, including Gazprombank and Alfa Bank, to operate in India, facilitating trade and investment.
Beyond trade, both leaders discussed expanding collaboration in high-tech sectors, aviation, space, artificial intelligence, and nuclear energy. Putin highlighted the strong military-technical cooperation between the two countries, with Russia ready to support India’s push for self-reliance in defense production. Defence Minister Andrei Belousov met with Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh to advance these discussions.
Putin also addressed the issue of US pressure on India regarding Russian fuel purchases, questioning why India should be restricted when the US continues to buy Russian nuclear fuel. He emphasized that while India-Russia trade dipped slightly in the first nine months of the year, energy trade remained “running smoothly.” India has argued that Trump’s tariffs are unjustified and inconsistent with ongoing US and EU energy imports from Russia.
The visit occurs at a sensitive geopolitical moment. India is negotiating a trade deal with the United States to mitigate punitive tariffs on goods linked to its Russian energy imports, while simultaneously balancing long-standing defense and energy ties with Moscow. Analysts note that India faces a strategic conundrum, as strengthening relations with either Russia or the United States risks straining ties with the other.
Ceremonial aspects of the visit included a private dinner hosted by Modi on Thursday, where both leaders discussed bilateral issues, as well as the official welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. A large delegation of Russian officials and business leaders accompanied Putin to India, highlighting the importance of both diplomatic and commercial cooperation.
Observers say the summit demonstrates India’s effort to maintain a careful balance between fostering economic and defense cooperation with Russia while pursuing broader diplomatic engagement with the West. Agreements signed at the conclusion of the summit are expected to reinforce India-Russia ties across trade, defense, energy, and technological sectors, while also allowing India to position itself as a mediator in ongoing global conflicts.
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