Putin’s india Visit Tests delicate Balance Between Moscow and Washington
New Delhi – Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India is placing New Delhi in a geopolitical tightrope walk as it simultaneously pursues closer economic ties with the United States. India expects to finalize a trade deal with Washington by the end of the year, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, but maintains its longstanding strategic partnership with Russia, a relationship Moscow understands is complicated by domestic pressures on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The visit underscores India’s strategic autonomy as it navigates a multipolar world, seeking to benefit from both East and West without alienating either. While a trade agreement with the U.S.is on the horizon, analysts say India views maintaining a “working relationship with Russia” as entirely compatible with strengthening ties with America. This balancing act will be closely watched, particularly as potential defense contracts are discussed during Putin’s trip.
India’s confidence in navigating this complex relationship is rooted in what analysts describe as a Kremlin understanding of New Delhi’s position. “Putin knows that Modi’s under considerable pressure there. He does have a domestic constituency to answer to, and he’s between a rock and a hard place,” said analyst Bajpai.
However, the delicate equilibrium will face scrutiny from washington, especially concerning major defense contracts. “India will have to be careful to that extent, particularly as the bilateral trade deal has not been arrived at,” noted Unnikrishnan of the Observer Research Foundation. “You don’t want to inject any more irritants into a tough phase as it exists today.”
