Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a two-day visit to India to boost energy and defence exports. He aims to pitch Russian oil, missile systems, and fighter jets amid US pressure on New Delhi. Putin’s visit is his first to India in four years.
India has been a top buyer of Russian oil and arms for decades. However, crude imports from Russia are expected to hit a three-year low due to tighter sanctions. Despite this, India continues to rely on Russian defence equipment, including Sukhoi-30 jets and S-400 air defence systems.
Read more: No big defense announcements expected during Putin’s India trip
Putin will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a wide-ranging delegation from business and industry. Talks are expected on civilian nuclear energy, defence, shipping, and agriculture. India may also seek to restore its 20% stake in the Sakhalin-1 oil project in Russia’s Far East.
Russian officials accompanying Putin include the heads of Rosneft, GazpromNeft, Sberbank, and Rosoboronexport. Moscow may request India’s help for spares and technical equipment for its oil and defence assets. Analysts say India-Russia ties are now largely sustained by defence cooperation.
Read more: Putin set for India visit on December 4-5 for talks with Modi
US sanctions remain a concern, with Indian officials wary of potential trade retaliation. Energy deals with Russia could trigger a response from former US President Donald Trump, who doubled tariffs on Indian goods in August. Analysts say defence remains the main glue holding the India-Russia partnership together.