India faced criticism for increasing imports of Russian fossil fuels amid the Ukraine conflict, with oil deliveries from Russia skyrocketing due to price discounts. Despite concerns about funding Putin’s war efforts, India cited longstanding ties with Moscow and reliance on imported oil to justify the surge in imports. As Prime Minister Modi meets Putin, the Kremlin aims to boost trade to counter Western sanctions.
India-Russia Relations:
Former Soviet-Union allies, India and Russia have a strong defense and trade partnership. Russia supplies a majority of India’s weapons, with bilateral trade reaching record highs. Although India navigates relations with both Moscow and the West, concerns arise over arms deals and potential shifts in military cooperation.
Future Trade:
Modi’s visit underscores India’s strategic interests while balancing global relations. With a focus on diplomacy in the Ukraine conflict, India’s neutrality impacts ties with Moscow. Amidst limited arms deals with Russia, India’s “Made in India” initiative may see increased collaboration in manufacturing. Russia’s interest in expanding transport corridors signals further trade prospects.
Edited by: Ashutosh Pandey
This article was originally published on July 4. It was updated on July 8 to reflect recent events.