In a bid to bolster its flagging ties with Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host Vladimir Putin for a summit meeting in New Delhi. The move comes at a critical juncture when the global dynamics have turned increasingly treacherous for both nations.
Putin's arrival is seen as a significant gesture from India that neither Moscow nor New Delhi would be swayed by US pressure. With Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine casting a shadow over Putin's previous visits to India, this trip serves as a symbol of enduring ties between the two countries. Furthermore, it underscores their resolve to navigate the complex and ever-shifting global landscape.
In recent years, Donald Trump's re-election has dramatically altered the dynamics of US-India relations. His inflammatory rhetoric and punitive tariffs have put India in an unfavourable position, prompting Delhi to adopt a 'hedging' stance on its international alliances. This move is seen as a response to Trump's attempts to isolate Russia through sanctions and economic coercion.
Russia, however, remains committed to strengthening its ties with India, particularly when it comes to military cooperation. The two nations have long-standing defense agreements in place, with Russia serving as the largest supplier of arms to New Delhi. However, amid growing tensions between Moscow and Beijing, India is looking to diversify its defense purchases.
The relationship between India and Russia serves a crucial strategic purpose - countering China's growing influence in the region. "China remains the greatest threat to India," according to Aparna Pande, director of the India and South Asia Initiative at Hudson Institute. New Delhi hopes to keep Russia on its side as it navigates these critical security challenges.
Economic cooperation between the two nations is also expected to be a key focus area during Modi-Putin talks. Russia has announced plans to further enhance economic ties with China and India, despite facing sanctions from the US and EU. The recent slowdown in Russian oil imports by Indian private companies may have been influenced by US sanctions, but Peskov, Putin's press secretary, downplayed the impact.
The main agenda for Modi-Putin talks seems set to focus on defense purchases, energy cooperation, and a symbolic show of friendship. However, analysts caution that mention of Ukraine will likely be limited due to India's lack of leverage in pushing for a global ceasefire. As tensions escalate, Delhi is well aware it cannot single-handedly sway the international community towards peace.
Putin's arrival is seen as a significant gesture from India that neither Moscow nor New Delhi would be swayed by US pressure. With Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine casting a shadow over Putin's previous visits to India, this trip serves as a symbol of enduring ties between the two countries. Furthermore, it underscores their resolve to navigate the complex and ever-shifting global landscape.
In recent years, Donald Trump's re-election has dramatically altered the dynamics of US-India relations. His inflammatory rhetoric and punitive tariffs have put India in an unfavourable position, prompting Delhi to adopt a 'hedging' stance on its international alliances. This move is seen as a response to Trump's attempts to isolate Russia through sanctions and economic coercion.
Russia, however, remains committed to strengthening its ties with India, particularly when it comes to military cooperation. The two nations have long-standing defense agreements in place, with Russia serving as the largest supplier of arms to New Delhi. However, amid growing tensions between Moscow and Beijing, India is looking to diversify its defense purchases.
The relationship between India and Russia serves a crucial strategic purpose - countering China's growing influence in the region. "China remains the greatest threat to India," according to Aparna Pande, director of the India and South Asia Initiative at Hudson Institute. New Delhi hopes to keep Russia on its side as it navigates these critical security challenges.
Economic cooperation between the two nations is also expected to be a key focus area during Modi-Putin talks. Russia has announced plans to further enhance economic ties with China and India, despite facing sanctions from the US and EU. The recent slowdown in Russian oil imports by Indian private companies may have been influenced by US sanctions, but Peskov, Putin's press secretary, downplayed the impact.
The main agenda for Modi-Putin talks seems set to focus on defense purchases, energy cooperation, and a symbolic show of friendship. However, analysts caution that mention of Ukraine will likely be limited due to India's lack of leverage in pushing for a global ceasefire. As tensions escalate, Delhi is well aware it cannot single-handedly sway the international community towards peace.