India’s Modi hosts Russia’s Putin for a summit focused on defence, trade and energy, as New Delhi navigates US pressure over Russian oil imports.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin for a summit on Friday, with defence cooperation and trade ties at the forefront.
The visit, Putin’s first to India since the war in Ukraine began, comes as New Delhi faces significant US pressure to halt its purchases of Russian oil.
Both leaders are also set to discuss the geopolitical situation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and global trade disruptions from US tariffs.
Modi welcomed Putin at the airport on Thursday with an embrace on a red carpet before they travelled together to a private dinner.
“India-Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefitted our people,” Modi wrote in a social media post alongside a photo of them in a car.
The symbolic show of friendship follows US President Donald Trump imposing 50% tariffs on most Indian goods in August, citing Delhi’s continued Russian oil purchases.
In an interview, Putin said he was “very happy” to be meeting “my friend” Modi and highlighted extensive bilateral cooperation.
“The range of our cooperation with India is huge,” he said, citing ship and aircraft manufacturing, nuclear energy and space exploration.
Analyst Ashok Malik said the visit is part of India’s diversification strategy, especially after US tariffs have hurt the country.
On Friday, Putin received an honour guard welcome at the presidential palace before his meeting with Modi.
India is navigating a diplomatic tightrope, relying on Russian oil while managing relations with the US during ongoing tariff talks.
“Balancing acts are second nature to Indian foreign policy making,” wrote former Indian envoy to Russia Pankaj Saran.
The leaders also addressed business and industry figures before Putin attended a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.
India has become a major buyer of Russian oil, saving billions and providing Moscow a crucial export market after European sanctions.
Putin stated that Modi is “not someone who gives in to pressure” when asked about the impact of US tariffs.
Russia’s share of Indian arms imports fell from 76% in 2009-13 to 36% in 2019-23, according to a Stockholm research institute.
Discussions are expected on advanced defence hardware, including air defence systems, fighter jets, and nuclear submarines.
New Delhi will also push for greater access for Indian exports to the wider Russian market.
Bilateral trade reached USD 68.7 billion in 2024-25, nearly six times pre-pandemic levels, but Indian exports were only USD 4.88 billion.
The two nations are anticipated to announce an agreement facilitating the easier mobility of Indian workers into Russia. – AFP
