Putin’s India visit puts focus on Russian oil, US pressure and trade ties
AP :
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India this week for a summit aimed at strengthening economic, defense and energy cooperation, a trip that will also test New Delhi’s balancing act between Moscow and Washington as the Ukraine war continues.
Putin is expected to arrive Thursday and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Both sides said they will review progress in bilateral ties, discuss major issues and sign government and business agreements.
India has kept buying discounted Russian oil despite U.S. pressure, arguing that the imports are vital for its 1.4 billion people. Washington says the purchases are helping Moscow fund the war, and U.S. President Donald Trump recently raised tariffs on Indian imports to 50% in response.
Putin last visited India in 2021, while Modi traveled to Moscow last year. They also briefly met in China in September during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting.
The visit comes as the U.S. pushes a new peace plan for Ukraine. Critics say the proposal initially leaned toward Moscow and was adjusted after talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials. Modi has avoided directly criticizing Russia, instead calling for a peaceful resolution.
Analysts say India is unlikely to take on a public mediating role but may work quietly behind the scenes. They believe Modi could urge Putin to consider concerns raised by Ukraine and European nations.
Indian officials say the summit is expected to produce agreements focused on trade, maritime cooperation, healthcare, media exchanges and economic facilitation. India wants to increase exports of pharmaceuticals, farm goods and textiles to Russia and is seeking the removal of non-tariff barriers. It is also pushing for long-term fertilizer supplies.
Another key area under discussion is a plan to ensure safe and regulated migration of Indian skilled workers to Russia.
The United States has intensified pressure on India to scale back Russian oil imports. New sanctions on Russian majors Rosneft and Lukoil add to India’s challenges. Indian officials say the country will avoid buying from companies under sanctions but may continue purchases from others.
Analyst Harsh Pant said India will stress that it cannot completely cut off Russian energy supplies, and future imports will depend on market conditions and how sanctions affect Indian buyers.
Energy cooperation will be a major theme of the summit.
India has invested in Russia’s Far East, and the two nations continue to expand civil nuclear cooperation. Talks are ongoing about local manufacturing linked to the Russia-backed Kudankulam nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu, along with possible joint projects in other countries.
On defense, India is expected to push Moscow for faster delivery of two remaining S-400 missile squadrons under a 2018 deal worth about 5.4 billion dollars. Deliveries have been delayed due to supply chain issues linked to the war. India may also explore additional or upgraded S-400 systems, though no announcement is expected.
India is also expected to discuss upgrades for its Russian-made Su-30MKI fighter jets, faster delivery of key military hardware and improved coordination in joint exercises and disaster response.
Despite India diversifying its defense imports, Russia remains its biggest arms supplier. Moscow is also trying to promote its Su-57 stealth fighter jet to India, though New Delhi continues to evaluate options from multiple foreign partners.