Russia-India Strategic Partnership Enters a New Era as Putin Stands Firmly With New Delhi
New Delhi: At a time when global geopolitics is witnessing unprecedented turbulence, Russia has once again demonstrated why it remains India’s most reliable partner. Russian President Vladimir Putin, currently on a two-day visit to India, has sent a strong message to the United States by firmly backing New Delhi—dismissing any idea that India can be pressured or coerced.
Putin will attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit and hold key meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. The visit comes at a pivotal moment, with both nations seeking to strengthen their long-standing strategic ties amidst a fast-changing world order. Crucial discussions on expanding bilateral trade, defense cooperation, and alternative currency mechanisms are high on the agenda. India is also in advanced talks to procure Russia’s S-400 missile systems and the next-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jets.
“India Does Not Bow to Pressure,” Says Putin
In an exclusive interview with India Today ahead of his arrival, President Putin openly praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. When asked whether the U.S. is attempting to pressure New Delhi through tariffs, Putin responded bluntly:
“Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure.”
He further stated that the world has witnessed India’s strong and independent foreign policy under Modi, adding that India has every reason to be proud of its decisive leadership. Putin emphasized that more than 90% of India–Russia bilateral transactions have been successfully completed, reflecting the depth of trust between the two nations.
Where India-Russia Trade Stands Today
A Financial Express report highlights a key challenge: bilateral trade has crossed $70 billion, but remains heavily imbalanced. India imports nearly $65 billion worth of goods from Russia, while exporting only $5 billion in return.
To address this structural gap, both countries are now exploring alternatives to the U.S. dollar. Discussions on strengthening the rupee–ruble settlement mechanism, long in the pipeline, are expected to gain momentum during Putin’s visit.
The goal is clear: to safeguard trade from Western sanctions and reduce dependence on third-country currencies.
Defense Partnership Set to Deepen
The Ukraine conflict is likely to feature prominently in the Modi–Putin dialogue, especially with U.S. President Donald Trump attempting to revive his controversial peace plan.
India has maintained a calibrated neutrality while continuing its strong defense and energy partnership with Russia.
The S-400 air defense system—already a critical part of India’s security architecture—will be reviewed during the talks. New Delhi may also finalize discussions on acquiring the advanced Su-57 stealth fighters, and even a $2 billion nuclear submarine from Russia.
Russia Becomes India’s Top Fertilizer Partner
Russia has emerged as India’s largest fertilizer supplier. In the first half of 2025 alone, India imported 2.5 million tonnes of Russian fertilizer—accounting for a record 33% of India’s total fertilizer imports.
Every one out of three tonnes of fertilizer used in India now comes from Russia. The surge has primarily been in DAP and NPK fertilizers, making stable supplies a strategic necessity for India’s agriculture-dependent economy.
India Outsmarts U.S. Sanctions to Secure Cheaper Russian Oil
Despite fresh U.S. sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil announced by President Trump, India’s oil imports from Russia continue to rise.
Energy analytics firm Kpler reports that Indian refiners imported an average of 1.27 million barrels per day of Russian crude in November—mostly routed through intermediaries to avoid direct exposure to sanctions.
This clever procurement strategy allowed India to secure discounted oil without entering Washington’s line of fire.
Russia Approves Landmark Military Logistics Pact
On the eve of Putin’s arrival, the Russian Parliament ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement with India—one of the most significant military pacts since the Soviet era.
The agreement allows both countries’ military aircraft, ships, and personnel to use each other’s bases and facilities.
For India, this opens doors to the rapidly strategic Arctic region, enabling Indian naval and research vessels to operate from Russian ports—an unprecedented development in bilateral ties.
Upcoming deals may include:
- The latest variant of the Su-57 fighter jet
- Upgraded S-400 air defense systems
- A $2-billion nuclear-powered submarine
With Europe Closing Its Doors, Asia Becomes Russia’s Strategic Priority
Ahead of the visit, Putin noted that Russia’s relationships with India—and China—have gained extraordinary importance in today’s geopolitical environment.
This shift comes as Europe, especially NATO nations, distances itself from Moscow, leaving only a few nations like Hungary and Serbia maintaining engagement.
In contrast, Russia sees India as a pillar of stability and a dependable long-term partner in a world marked by confrontation and uncertainty.
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