In 2025, India and Russia marked 25 years of their strategic partnership as President Vladimir Putin visited Delhi—his first trip since the 2022 Ukraine invasion that drew global condemnation and an international criminal court (ICC) arrest warrant.

Significance of Putin’s Visit

• Message to Moscow and the West: By receiving Mr. Putin in person and granting a state visit, India signalled that Russia remains a friend despite western attempts at isolation.
  • This demonstrated India’s strategic autonomy—the capacity to make decisions based on national interest regardless of the sentiments of the US or Europe.
  • Modi referred to Russia as the “Dhruv Tara (lode star)”, signaling close ties.
• Position on Peace: While Prime Minister Modi emphasizes peace, he refused to criticise Russia publicly for the war in Ukraine.

India and Russia trade amid sanctions

• Alternative Mechanisms: Facing heavy sanctions on Russia, India found alternative mechanisms to bypass the US dollar:
  • National Currency Payment System: Focusing on streamlining Rupee-Rouble trade.
  • Joint Ventures in Fertilizers: Jointly establishing a urea plant in Russia to ensure a stable supply of cheap fertilizers to India.
  • Labour Mobility Agreement: Sending skilled Indian labor to Russia, which is facing manpower shortages due to the war.
  • Maritime Connectivity: Focusing on the Chennai-Vladivostok route to facilitate cheaper and faster movement of goods.
• No Agreements on Strategic Areas: No deals announced in defence hardware, nuclear power, or space cooperation—areas likely to concern the West.
• • Despite Putin offering “uninterrupted” oil supplies, India made no commitments to increase oil imports, affecting the $100 billion bilateral trade target by 2030.
  • Omitting strategic issues shows India’s awareness of Western concerns, avoiding tensions with the U.S. and EU during ongoing trade negotiations and high-level visits.

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Conclusion

India must maintain a steady and consistent approach with all partners to uphold its strategic autonomy, rather than swinging between opposing sides.

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