Post by : Rameen Ariff

New Delhi – Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India on December 5-6 to hold a high-level summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to sources. This visit underscores the growing strategic and economic ties between the two countries, even as tensions with the United States rise over India’s ongoing trade with Russia.

The visit was initially discussed during National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s trip to Moscow in August, though final dates were not confirmed at the time. The two leaders later met for an hour-long discussion at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, highlighting the close coordination between New Delhi and Moscow.

The announcement comes amid friction between India and Washington. The United States recently imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods in response to India’s purchases of Russian oil, aiming to pressure Moscow amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. India has defended its oil imports, explaining that traditional suppliers diverted oil to Europe after the outbreak of the war.

Russia is a key partner for India, serving as one of the country’s top arms suppliers. Additionally, India has emerged as a major buyer of Russian crude since the war began, ensuring that Russia continues to maintain a multi-billion-dollar revenue flow despite Western sanctions.

Putin’s visit is significant for India’s geopolitical strategy. It demonstrates the resilience of Indo-Russian relations and reinforces economic and strategic cooperation, even as New Delhi balances its complex relationship with the United States. Putin’s limited international travel due to the Ukraine conflict further highlights the importance of this engagement. India is not a party to the International Criminal Court (ICC), meaning it is not obligated to arrest the Russian leader despite the ICC’s warrant.

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