Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Tianjin, China, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, signaling a deepening of ties between the two nations. This meeting comes amid tensions between New Delhi and Washington over India’s purchase of Russian oil.
The two leaders engaged in talks following a key session of the SCO, focusing on regional stability, bilateral trade, and energy cooperation. Modi described the partnership with Moscow as “special and privileged,” while Putin referred to Modi as a “dear friend,” emphasizing the “special, friendly, and trusting” nature of Russia-India relations.
Putin highlighted the historical ties between Russia and India, stating,
“Russia and India have maintained special relations for decades. Friendly, trusting. This is the foundation for the development of our relations in the future.”
He added that these relations are supported by the majority of the peoples of both countries.
Strategic Dialogue and Future Plans
The meeting also included discussions on peace initiatives concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi urged stakeholders to find a constructive path forward, stating,
“To end the conflict soonest and establish peace permanently, we need to find out a way. It’s a call of the entire humanity.”
Putin was accompanied by a large delegation, and prior to the formal talks, the leaders had a private conversation in an Aurus limousine, a symbol of Russian craftsmanship. The Russian leader is expected to visit India in December for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, further solidifying the bilateral relationship.
Economic Tensions with the United States
The meeting took place shortly after the United States imposed additional tariffs on Indian imports, increasing duties to 50% in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Washington has expressed concerns that these purchases help sustain Moscow’s revenues amid the Ukraine war. However, India defends its imports as crucial for meeting the energy needs of its 1.4 billion citizens.
India’s strategic autonomy in foreign policy allows it to maintain and strengthen partnerships with both Russia and the United States, despite current tensions. Sreeram Sundar Chaulia, an expert at New Delhi’s Jindal School of International Affairs, noted,
“India prized its old and reliable strategic partners and has sufficient strategic autonomy in its foreign policy to maintain and strengthen its multi-dimensional partnership.”
Historical Context and Trade Dynamics
India and Russia have shared strong ties since the Cold War era, with India emerging as a key trading partner for Russia, especially after the West imposed sanctions on Moscow. The bilateral trade between the two countries reached a record $68.7 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, with Russia accounting for a significant portion of India’s oil imports.
India, traditionally reliant on Middle Eastern crude, has shifted towards purchasing discounted Russian oil, which now constitutes about 37% of its total oil imports. The two nations aim to boost trade to $100 billion by 2030, reflecting their growing economic interdependence.
Meanwhile, Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have pledged to resolve border differences and enhance cooperation, underscoring India’s multi-alignment strategy in its foreign policy.
Implications and Future Prospects
The meeting between Modi and Putin underscores India’s commitment to its strategic partnerships, despite external pressures. The strengthening of India-Russia ties highlights New Delhi’s approach to balancing its relationships with major global powers.
As India navigates its complex geopolitical landscape, the government hopes that the current friction with the United States is temporary. Chaulia optimistically remarked,
“Then, India can return happily to having the Russian cake and eating the American pie as part of its multi-alignment strategy.”
Looking ahead, the upcoming India-Russia summit in December is expected to further cement the relationship between the two nations, as they continue to collaborate on various fronts, including trade, energy, and regional security.
