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Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India for the first time in four years. The visit aims to strengthen efforts to boost trade in Russian oil, missile systems, and fighter jets, especially as energy and defense ties have been strained due to U.S. pressure on India. Despite Western sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, India has remained a significant purchaser of Russian arms and seaborne oil.
India’s crude oil imports from Russia are projected to decline to a three-year low this month, as sanctions tighten and New Delhi increases its imports from U.S. sources. Putin will be in Delhi for a two-day summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by defense officials and a delegation from various industries. Experts believe this visit provides India with an opportunity to reaffirm its close relationship with Moscow and explore new military contracts, despite recent geopolitical shifts.
There is anticipation of new initiatives, primarily focusing on existing cooperation areas. However, India is cautious about potential U.S. repercussions, particularly because of increased tariffs on Indian goods imposed earlier this year due to Indian oil purchases from Russia. Before the visit, both nations held discussions covering defense, shipping, and agriculture, including plans for a free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Moscow is expected to seek assistance from India in acquiring spare parts and technical equipment for its oil industry, which has been hampered by sanctions. Additionally, India hopes to regain a 20% stake in the Sakhalin-1 oil project in Russia’s Far East, a move seen as a strategic pivot.
In terms of defense, India remains committed to its military cooperation with Russia. The country plans to continue purchasing Russian systems, as it relies heavily on Russian aircraft like the Sukhoi-30, which constitute the majority of its fighter fleet. While India has not yet decided about acquiring the new Su-57 fighter, discussions are ongoing. India is also interested in expanding its procurement of the S-400 missile defense system, with deliveries of two additional units pending from a 2018 agreement.
Although energy cooperation appears to be cooling due to sanctions, defense ties remain resilient. Analysts suggest that recent discussions about ending the Ukraine conflict could facilitate smoother military engagements with Moscow. However, overall, the relationship remains delicate, with energy trade heavily impacted by U.S. sanctions, leaving defense as the primary bond connecting the two countries.
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