Putin concludes India visit with pledges to boost trade and defence ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin departed New Delhi on Friday after a two-day state visit, during which he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to deepen trade and defence cooperation, while Russia offered uninterrupted fuel supplies to India.

The visit marked Putin’s first trip to India since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. India, the world’s top buyer of Russian arms and seaborne oil, rolled out the red carpet for the Russian leader, highlighting the longstanding ties between the two nations.

During a state reception hosted by Indian President Draupadi Murmu, Putin described his talks with Indian officials as “genuinely open and constructive.” He highlighted that the final policy statement adopted between the countries included “large-scale plans for future co-operation in politics and security, economics and finance, transport, energy, education, and culture.”

“Equally important is that Russia and India are working hand in hand to establish a just, multipolar world order,” Putin added, emphasising the shared vision of both countries in global affairs.

Despite Moscow’s offer of continuous fuel supplies, Indian officials appeared cautious, reflecting New Delhi’s delicate balancing act between its strategic partnership with Russia and ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. India has been negotiating with the U.S. to reduce punitive tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Indian goods linked to its purchases of Russian oil. These measures have contributed to India’s projected three-year low in energy imports this month.

Russia has expressed interest in importing more Indian goods, aiming to expand bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. The two countries also agreed to enhance defence collaboration, building on decades of military and technological co-operation.

During the ceremonial farewell, Putin was seen shaking hands with Indian officials, including Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, before boarding his plane to depart New Delhi.

The visit reflects both Russia and India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations amid a complex global geopolitical landscape, balancing energy security, trade, and strategic defence priorities.

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