At a time of escalating global tensions and attempts by Western nations to isolate Moscow over its war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used their annual bilateral summit in New Delhi to broadcast a powerful signal: their partnership remains durable, expanding, and resistant to outside pressure.

Set against the thick winter smog of the Indian capital, the leaders emphasized that Russia–India relations remain steady even as the world undergoes major political and economic shifts. For both sides, the summit was as much about policy agreements as it was about optics—proving that their relationship continues to hold strategic value despite intensifying Western criticism.

A Warm Welcome and a Powerful Symbol of Diplomatic Resilience

Modi personally greeted Putin at the airport on Thursday night—a rare departure from standard protocol—before the two leaders rode together to the prime minister’s residence. The informal “limo diplomacy,” a gesture Putin often reserves for trusted partners, showcased a close rapport that the leaders later highlighted in public statements.

The next day, ministers from both governments exchanged a series of agreements covering energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and shipping. Modi described the deals as stepping stones toward elevating the India–Russia economic partnership to new levels under their jointly drafted cooperation plan extending to 2030.

Russia and India also reaffirmed their ambitious goal of reaching $100 billion in annual trade, a major increase from current levels.

Putin Promises ‘Uninterrupted’ Oil Supplies Despite Western Pressure

In one of the summit’s most significant declarations, Putin stated that Russia stands fully committed to supplying fuel to India without disruption—an unmistakable message to Washington and European governments that have urged New Delhi to reduce its purchases of Russian crude.

The United States recently imposed an additional 25% tariff on certain Indian exports, citing India’s oil trade with Moscow. Still, India continues to import sizeable volumes of discounted Russian crude, which has reshaped its energy landscape since 2022.

Putin stressed that Western criticism is hypocritical, noting that the US itself continues to buy Russian nuclear fuel for its power plants.

“If the United States can purchase our fuel, why should India be prevented?” he said, voicing openness to discussing these issues directly with President Donald Trump.

Why the Summit Matters: A Relationship That Withstands Pressure

Analysts across New Delhi say the summit’s greatest significance lies not just in trade deals but in the clear message it sends globally.

Harsh Pant of the Observer Research Foundation argued that both sides demonstrated they have “no intention of diluting” their partnership despite geopolitical pressure. He added that expanding cooperation beyond oil and defense would make the relationship more balanced and adaptable to modern global realities.

Robinder Sachdev of the Imagindia Institute echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that both nations want increased cooperation through business, cultural exchanges, and public-to-public engagement — not only government-level deals.

Putin noted that India and Russia, together with other BRICS nations, are working toward a “more just” and multipolar world order—an indirect rebuke of Western dominance.

India Does Not Pressure Russia Over Ukraine

Although world leaders hoped Modi would push Putin toward a peace agreement, India avoided any direct demands for Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Instead, Modi reiterated India’s long-standing position: promoting peace without taking sides.

“This is not an era of war,” Modi said, adding that India supports “every effort that moves the world toward peace.”

The message underscored India’s careful diplomatic balancing act—supporting peace, preserving ties with the West, yet maintaining a close friendship with Moscow.

India’s Strategic Tightrope Between East and West

India’s position is complicated. On one side, the US remains a critical defense and economic partner. On the other, Russia provides affordable energy, a long-standing defense relationship, and geopolitical leverage.

India historically avoided formal alliances during the Cold War and continues pursuing a “multi-alignment” strategy today.
This summit, analysts say, reinforces that India sees its ties with Russia as essential for maintaining strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.

Additionally:

• Russia remains India’s largest defense supplier
• Recent clashes with Pakistan highlighted India’s reliance on Russian missile systems and aircraft
• New Delhi sees Moscow as a stabilizing counterweight to Western pressure

Pant summarized the dynamic: increased US hostility makes India even more determined to maintain strong relations with Russia.

Defence, Space, Trade, and Connectivity: Expanding the Agenda

Putin arrived with a significant delegation, including Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and top arms industry executives. New Delhi and Moscow discussed:

• Expanding India’s domestic defense manufacturing
• Greater joint production in aerospace and advanced weaponry
• More streamlined trade routes and transportation corridors
• New avenues in agriculture and food exports

Russia expressed strong interest in importing Indian fishery and meat products, an area where India sees substantial room for growth.

Energy Ties Remain Central Despite Declining Oil Imports

India’s imports of Russian crude dropped 38% in value compared with last year, yet Russia still supplies more than 30% of India’s total oil imports. Putin described the overall trade partnership as stable and built on “mutual trust,” even as political conditions shift.

Looking Ahead: What the Summit Means for the Future

Geopolitical analysts believe India hopes that an eventual peace deal in Ukraine will free Russia from global isolation—opening the door for expanded Indian trade, investment, and cooperation in a less constrained environment.

If Russia’s relations with the West eventually normalize, New Delhi aims to be positioned ahead of Western countries in re-engaging with Moscow economically.

For now, the New Delhi summit made one message clear:
India and Russia remain aligned, confident, and committed to deepening their strategic partnership—regardless of Western pressure.