Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to India this week for a high-stakes summit focused on deepening economic, defence, and energy ties — a visit that puts renewed attention on New Delhi’s continued imports of discounted Russian oil despite U.S. sanctions pressure. Putin arrives Thursday for a state visit and will hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. According to both governments, the leaders will review progress in bilateral cooperation, discuss priority issues, and sign a slate of intergovernmental and business agreements.
India has remained one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since the war in Ukraine began, arguing that affordable energy is vital for meeting the needs of its 1.4 billion citizens. But Washington says those purchases help fund Moscow’s war machine. In retaliation, U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports — bringing total duties to 50%. Putin last visited India in 2021, while Modi travelled to Moscow in 2024. The two leaders also met briefly this past September during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in China.
The summit comes as the U.S. intensifies its push for a Ukraine peace plan and seeks stronger support from major partners like India. On Tuesday, Putin met U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump adviser Jared Kushner in Moscow to discuss the proposals, which critics say heavily favour Russia. Putin adviser Yuri Ushakov called the talks “productive” but acknowledged substantial work still lies ahead. Modi has avoided publicly condemning Russia’s invasion, instead stressing the importance of dialogue and a peaceful resolution. Analysts say India has deliberately avoided a formal mediating role to maintain its delicate balance between Moscow and Washington, though quiet diplomacy by Modi is expected to continue.
Indian officials say this week’s summit will deliver a series of agreements centred on expanded economic cooperation, trade facilitation, maritime collaboration, healthcare, and media exchanges. New Delhi is particularly eager to boost exports of pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and textiles to Russia and is pushing for the removal of non-tariff barriers. India is also seeking long-term fertilizer supply deals from Moscow, given its heavy reliance on imported nutrients for its agricultural sector. Another priority is the creation of a framework to ensure safe, regulated migration of skilled Indian workers to Russia — an arrangement both sides hope to formalize soon.
As Putin’s visit approaches, India faces the ongoing challenge of balancing strategic autonomy with intensifying geopolitical pressures — all while keeping its energy security and economic interests at the forefront.
