President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in India on Thursday for a two-day visit, aiming to strengthen defense ties with the country despite growing pressure from the US to cease purchasing Russian oil. This trip marks Putin’s first visit to India since the start of the Ukraine war. He will be accompanied by a delegation, including Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, with reports suggesting a potential fighter jet deal may be on the agenda.
During his visit, Putin is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a private dinner, followed by a summit meeting and a business gathering the next day. The discussions are expected to focus on defense and trade relations, as India navigates a delicate balance between relying on strategic Russian imports and avoiding tensions with the US. The supply of Russia’s advanced S-400 air defense systems is also expected to be a key topic, with India currently having three units and two more pending delivery under a 2018 deal stalled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions.
India is one of the world’s top arms importers, with Russia being a primary supplier historically. However, in recent years, Delhi has sought to boost domestic production, resulting in a decline in Russia’s share of India’s arms imports from 76 percent in 2009-13 to 36 percent in 2019-23, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
The visit comes after the US imposed 50 percent tariffs on most Indian products in August, citing Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil as a reason. India has become a significant buyer of Russian oil, saving billions of dollars and providing Moscow with a crucial export market after being cut off from traditional European buyers due to the war. However, Delhi has recently reduced crude imports under pressure from sanctions on Russia’s top oil producers.
Despite the challenges, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed confidence in maintaining and increasing bilateral business with India without external interference. Nandan Unnikrishnan, a researcher at the Observer Research Foundation, noted that while there may be a reduction in energy purchases due to US pressure, the overall direction of the ties will remain intact as both countries need each other strategically.
The visit is seen as an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss the global situation, including the Ukraine conflict, and address the trade imbalance between the two nations. Bilateral trade reached $68.7 billion in 2024-25, but Indian exports accounted for only $4.88 billion. Delhi has been pushing Moscow for expanded market access for its key industries, including pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and services.
According to experts, the visit is a statement of intent for strategic autonomy by India and a demonstration of the importance of the relationship by Putin. The meeting is expected to provide a platform for the two nations to reset their relationship at a critical geopolitical moment, with implications for their strategic ties and global alliances.
