India–Russia

05.12.2025

India–Russia

Context
 The arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin in India for the annual summit, and the warm reception by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, comes at a moment when India–US relations are perceived as strained. The timing and optics of the visit hold major geopolitical significance for India’s strategic posture.

About the Visit and Geopolitical Signalling

Background:
 The summit is taking place amid a cooling phase in India–US ties, contrasting with earlier periods of close engagement. This occurs despite ongoing preparations for the Quad meeting and diplomatic communication with Washington.

Key Observations:
 • Strategic Message to the West: The high-profile welcome is viewed as a demonstration of India’s strategic autonomy and its unwillingness to reduce engagement with Russia despite Western pressure on issues such as oil imports and defence cooperation.
 • Symbolic Choices: The use of a Japanese Toyota Fortuner instead of European luxury vehicles was interpreted as a measure to avoid sanctions-linked complications, subtly reinforcing India’s neutral positioning in global power rivalries.

Pillars of India–Russia Strategic Partnership

India and Russia continue to describe their partnership as a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” Despite evolving global alignments, the relationship remains anchored in four major areas:

1. Defence and Security Cooperation

• Legacy Supplier: Russia continues to be India’s largest defence supplier by volume, even as India diversifies towards the US, France, and Israel.
 • Future Acquisitions: Discussions indicate potential procurement of advanced defence systems, including the next-generation S-500 air defence system.
 • Technology Transfer Strength: Russia remains open to joint development projects and technology transfers, exemplified by the BrahMos missile system, in contrast to the restricted technology-sharing approach often seen with Western countries.

2. Energy and Economic Flexibility

• Energy Security Advantage: Russia has become India’s top crude oil supplier, providing discounted energy supplies crucial for managing inflation and ensuring energy stability.
 • Currency Protection: Acceptance of payments in local currencies allows India to bypass the US Dollar, preventing additional downward pressure on the Indian Rupee.
 • Credit Support: Russia extends flexible payment terms, including delayed payment options, which enhances India’s economic manoeuvrability.

3. Strategic Autonomy and Sovereignty

• No Sanctions Leverage: Unlike the US, which has used threats of sanctions (such as CAATSA) in diplomacy, Russia has never employed punitive economic tools against India.
 • UNSC Backing: Russia remains a consistent supporter of India’s bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

Challenges to the Partnership

• China Closeness: Russia’s deepening strategic partnership with China creates long-term concerns for India, particularly given unresolved border issues with Beijing.
 • US Pressure: Washington continues to push New Delhi to reduce defence and oil ties with Russia, making foreign policy balancing more complex.
 • Diversification Trend: While Russia remains a significant partner, India is gradually reducing overdependence on Russian oil and weapon systems to avoid geopolitical vulnerabilities.

Way Forward

• Strategic Balancing:
   India must continue its calibrated approach of engaging major powers without aligning exclusively with any bloc.
• Defence Innovation:
   Deepened India–Russia joint ventures in defence technology can strengthen domestic defence manufacturing.
• Energy Cooperation:
   Long-term agreements with Russia for energy supply diversification can help mitigate global price instability.
• Diplomatic Autonomy:
   Maintaining policy independence remains central to India’s foreign policy doctrine, especially amid great-power rivalry.

Conclusion

The India–Russia annual summit underlines the enduring relevance of the strategic partnership, even as global geopolitical currents shift. Amid strained India–US ties and rising China–Russia convergence, New Delhi values Moscow for defence reliability, energy security, and unconditional diplomatic support. The relationship provides India with the strategic space necessary to exercise autonomy, safeguard national interests, and maintain foreign policy flexibility in an increasingly polarised world.