Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a two-day visit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted him warmly ahead of their summit. The two nations are expected to sign several agreements, especially as Delhi faces US pressure to curb purchases of Russian oil.
The visit also coincides with ongoing US-led talks with Russia and Ukraine aimed at ending the war. India and Russia have long been close allies, and Putin and Modi share a notably warm relationship. India’s fast-growing economy and huge population make it an important market for Russian oil and goods, particularly after India increased its Russian oil imports from 2.5% to 35%.
Washington responded with new tariffs on Indian goods, prompting a recent decline in those oil orders, which Moscow hopes to reverse. Russia also seeks to expand arms sales and attract skilled Indian workers amid its labour shortage. As Putin meets Modi, both sides will emphasise their strategic partnership, growing trade, and shared interest in showing that Western attempts to isolate Moscow have not succeeded.
PHOTO: AFP