Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun a two-day visit to India to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sign fresh agreements in oil, defence and trade, a move that comes as Washington pressures Delhi to curb Russian oil imports and after President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods. India and Russia, long-time allies, both seek to stabilise their economic and geopolitical positions, with Moscow pushing for continued oil purchases and defence deals while Modi aims to protect India’s “strategic autonomy” and avoid jeopardising ties with the West.
Analysts note that “for India, the challenge is strategic balance – protecting autonomy while navigating pressure from Washington and dependence on Moscow,” as both sides attempt to expand trade beyond oil and weapons and manage tensions linked to the Ukraine war.