Russia and India strengthen strategic bonds amid global pressure
The geopolitical spotlight is firmly fixed on the national capital as Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down on Thursday evening for a significant two-day state visit. This marks a pivotal moment in diplomatic relations as the Russian leader is set to participate in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit on Friday. The visit is expected to reinforce the time-tested partnership between the two nations, covering critical sectors from defense to energy.
Ahead of the formal talks, the Vladimir Putin India visit has already generated headlines due to the Russian President’s high praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a conversation with Indian media outlets at the Kremlin prior to his arrival, Putin commended PM Modi’s resolute leadership style. He emphasized that the Indian Prime Minister is a leader who prioritizes his nation’s interests and does not bow to external coercion.
"Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily," Putin stated, highlighting that India’s independent stance on global issues is a source of pride for its citizens. He described their relationship as one built on profound mutual trust, noting that they often collaborate on challenging tasks to drive growth, such as the 'Make in India' initiative.
The significance of this diplomatic engagement has resonated across party lines in India. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor welcomed the visit, stressing the necessity of maintaining strong ties with Moscow in a turbulent world. Tharoor pointed to the tangible benefits of this friendship, specifically referencing the effectiveness of the S-400 air defense system during "Operation Sindoor," where it successfully intercepted threats targeting Indian cities. According to Tharoor, this history of defense cooperation and energy security proves that India’s bond with Russia stands independent of its relationships with the US or China.
International observers are also closely monitoring the India-Russia Annual Summit. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, noted that the meeting sends a powerful signal to the West. He argued that the strategic coordination between New Delhi and Moscow demonstrates that neither nation is isolated, and attempts to destabilize them through sanctions are unlikely to succeed due to their strong economic complementarity.
A Packed Schedule for Friday
Friday promises a rigorous itinerary for the leaders. President Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome and a tri-services guard of honor at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.
The core of the diplomatic work will take place at Hyderabad House, where PM Modi and President Putin will engage in restricted talks followed by delegation-level discussions. Key topics on the table include insulating bilateral trade from Western sanctions, enhancing cooperation in small modular nuclear reactors, and broad-basing defense collaborations.
Former diplomat Rajiv Bhatia observed that this is Putin's first visit since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, suggesting that while geopolitics is the backdrop, the limelight will likely be on deepening economic dimensions.
Later in the day, the two leaders will address a business event organized by FICCI and Roscongress at Bharat Mandapam, aimed at boosting commercial ties. The visit will conclude with a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu before the Russian President departs on Friday night.
