View: India navigates defence and trade with Russia while courting global partners

Putin’s visit to India has put the spotlight on New Delhi’s evolving defence strategy as it seeks to modernise Russian-made systems with domestic production. At the same time, India is carefully navigating its ties with the U.S. and Europe ahead of key diplomatic visits.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day state visit to India on 4-5 December, his first since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, focused on strengthening defence, trade, and energy cooperation.

Speaking on the AnewZ's Daybreak program from India, geopolitical and geoeconomics analyst Umesh Kumar explained that India, historically reliant on Russian arms, is now producing key technology domestically to meet its own defence needs while also exporting components to Russia and its traditional buyers.

“While major announcements about systems such as the S-400, S-500, or Sukhoi 57 were expected, these were avoided, likely due to ongoing negotiations with the United States on trade matters,” he added.

During the visit, India and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to broad cooperation across politics, security, economics, energy, education, and culture.

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

At the same time, India remains cautious, balancing its strategic partnership with Russia while pursuing trade talks with the U.S., including efforts to reduce punitive tariffs linked to its purchases of Russian oil.

Meanwhile, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to visit India next month as the chief guest for Republic Day.

According to Indian local media, this marks the first time that the European Union’s top leadership has been invited to India’s Republic Day celebrations, thus signalling a new level of strategic and diplomatic engagement between India and the EU.

The analyst believes that India’s approach: strengthening domestic defence production, supporting Russia’s traditional defence customers through component supply, and deepening trade ties, positions it as a strategic and reliable partner on the global stage. 

Tags