Two leaders are due to hold defence and trade talks on Friday, against the backdrop of the Ukraine war, which has seen the US hit India with tariffs over its continued purchases of Russian oil
According to Indian officials involved in the preparation for the summit, the agenda includes talks on defence, energy and labor mobility, AP reports.
While India has historically maintained deep ties with Russia, critics say Putin’s visit could strain relations with the European Union and the US and might jeopardise negotiations for major trade agreements with both that are seen as critical for India’s exports.
US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50% in August, citing New Delhi’s discounted Russian oil. India has been the second biggest importer of Russian crude after China. India and the US set a target for the first tranche of a trade deal by autumn, but the deal hasn’t come through yet amid strains in relations.
India is also in the final stages of talks on a trade agreement with the EU, which sees Russia’s war in Ukraine as a major threat.
Putin’s India visit, “given the timing and geopolitical context, underscores New Delhi’s strategic tightrope walk between the West and the rest, chiefly Russia,” said Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group.
“The significant change now is its desire to be a strategic partner with the US at the same time, which will be a diplomatic challenge,” he added.
The two leaders are meeting against a turbulent geopolitical backdrop, and analysts have emphasised the significance of the Russian president travelling to India, both as a symbol of the enduring relationship between the countries and as a message that neither would be cowed by US pressure amid the Ukraine war. Hannah Ellis-Petersen and Pjotr Sauer have assessed what is at stake for both countries here.
