Putin Seeks to Bolster ties with India Amid Western Pressure
New Delhi – Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi,signaling Moscow’s intent to strengthen ties with a key partner as it faces increasing international isolation over the war in Ukraine. The visit comes after India’s imports of Russian oil decreased following the imposition of an additional 25% tariff by the US, which argued the purchases were funding the Kremlin’s war efforts.
For decades, Russia – formerly the Soviet Union – has prioritized arms sales to India, and reports suggest Delhi is considering purchasing advanced Russian fighter jets and air defense systems. Beyond military cooperation, Russia is also looking to India as a source of skilled labor amid a domestic labor shortage.
The meeting serves a notable geopolitical purpose for the Kremlin, demonstrating resistance to Western efforts to isolate Russia. Putin’s trip echoes a similar visit to China three months ago where he met with Xi Jinping, and a joint meeting with Modi on the same trip. Images of the three leaders together conveyed a message of support for a “multi-polar world.” Russia characterizes its relationship with China as a “no limits partnership” and its bond with India as a “special and privileged strategic partnership.”
“I think the Kremlin is sure that the West, including Europe, totally failed,” stated Andrei Kolesnikov, a columnist for Novaya Gazeta. “We are not isolated, because we have connections to Asia and the Global South. Economically, this is the future. In that sense Russia returned as the main actor in these parts of the globe, like the Soviet Union.” Though, Kolesnikov also noted the unprecedented isolation from Europe, adding, “Our philosophers always said that Russia was a part of Europe. Now we’re not. This is a big failure and a big loss.”
During the visit, announcements are expected regarding increased trade and economic cooperation between Russia and India.
