For India, [Putin’s] visit was a chance to reaffirm that its energy decisions, including the sourcing of oil from Russia, will not be dictated by external powers.
India has been known for asserting its right to pursue an independent foreign policy since its independence. Even in this increasingly polarized global landscape, where geopolitical maneuvering is often dictated by alliances, India continues this independence despite many challenges.
This was evident in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to New Delhi, which marked the continuation of a unique partnership between India and Russia, one that persists even amid growing pressure from the United States.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal greeting of Putin on the tarmac and their subsequent private dinner symbolized more than just cordial diplomacy. It was a deliberate signal of India’s intent to safeguard its long-standing ties with Moscow. This visit, Putin’s first to India since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, underscores the resilience of the bilateral relationship despite the mounting international tensions surrounding Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
At the heart of this relationship is a complex but unwavering partnership that spans trade, energy and defense. However, the backdrop of this visit was fraught with tension.
The United States, in particular, has made its displeasure known over India’s continued energy dealings with Russia, particularly the purchase of discounted Russian oil. In August, Washington imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports in addition to the 25% tariff that India were already facing (50% in total), arguing that India’s energy purchases were indirectly supporting Moscow’s war efforts. New Delhi, however, rejected this accusation, calling the move unjustified and asserting its sovereign right to secure energy resources from whichever country it deems fit.
During their summit, Modi and Putin underscored the importance of their bilateral ties, describing them as “resilient to external pressure,” a direct response to the U.S. stance. Both leaders expressed their commitment to preserving this strategic partnership, with Modi emphasizing the “mutual respect and deep trust” that underpins it. For India, the visit was a chance to reaffirm that its energy decisions, including the sourcing of oil from Russia, will not be dictated by external powers.
Beyond the immediate issue of oil, the visit saw concrete outcomes aimed at strengthening India-Russia cooperation. The two countries finalized an economic cooperation program with the ambitious goal of increasing trade to $100 billion annually by 2030. This agreement signals a commitment to expanding beyond the energy sector, with both nations focusing on critical minerals, pharmaceutical production and joint ventures in defense.
Russia has long been a key supplier of military equipment to India, and the discussions around defense cooperation, including joint production of advanced military platforms, further cemented the enduring military ties between the two countries.
Yet, even as India continues to deepen its ties with Russia, it is clear that its foreign policy is not one-dimensional. While the partnership with Russia remains central to India’s long-term strategic interests, New Delhi is also keen to diversify its relations with other global powers, including the United States and the European Union.
India’s involvement in the Quad grouping with the U.S., Japan and Australia, as well as its growing economic and defense partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, underscores its balanced approach to international diplomacy.
Putin’s visit to India also highlighted the broader geopolitical context in which these relations are unfolding. Putin has made no secret of his desire to strengthen ties with India and China as part of his broader strategy to counter Western sanctions.
For Russia, these relationships serve as vital economic lifelines, particularly in the face of Western isolation. But for India, these ties with Russia are more than just economic; they are deeply rooted in historical and strategic interests that have been shaped over decades.
The Indian government’s diplomatic response to Western pressures, especially from the United States, is a reminder that New Delhi will not be easily swayed by external influence. India’s desire to maintain its autonomy in foreign policy is a core tenet of its strategic vision. And while the world watches closely as India walks this tightrope, balancing its ties with Russia and its growing interactions with the West, one thing is very much clear that India is resolutely determined to chart its own course.
As the world grapples with an uncertain future, India’s ability to balance its interests while maintaining its independence in the face of external pressures offers a unique model of diplomacy, one where sovereignty, pragmatism and strategic autonomy take precedence. The recent summit between Modi and Putin not only reaffirmed this approach but also reinforced that India’s foreign policy is unlikely to bend to the whims of any single global power, no matter how influential.
Raghav Kumar is an independent journalist with a wide range of interests spanning politics, history, heritage, legacy, climate change, social issues and more.
OpEd Column Syndication 