Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Context
- The India–Russia Strategic Partnership completed 25 years, marked by President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Delhi after the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
- Despite an ICC warrant and deepening Russia-West tensions, India invited Mr. Putin, signalling foreign-policy intent.
Key Diplomatic Signals
- The Government accorded a state visit, indicating that Russia remains a valued partner despite Western attempts at isolation.
- PM Narendra Modi reiterated peace, yet avoided public criticism of Russia, reflecting calibrated diplomacy.
- India sought economic engagement despite pressure from U.S. tariffs, sanctions on oil trade, and restrictions on Russian entities.
Economic Engagement Highlights
- Key outcomes emphasised labour mobility, an MoU for a joint urea plant in Russia, and continuation of the economic road map launched in 2024.
- The roadmap focuses on trade expansion, maritime connectivity, and national currency payment systems to bypass sanctions.
- However, no announcement was made regarding increased oil imports, complicating the $100 billion trade target by 2030.
Calibrated Sensitivity to Western Concerns
- Both sides avoided agreements in areas sensitive to the West — defence hardware, nuclear energy, and space cooperation.
- India remains cautious amid ongoing negotiations with the U.S. and EU on trade agreements and high-level visits.
Strategic Autonomy: The Core Message
- Mr. Modi described Russia as India’s “Dhruv Tara”, but India must ensure that strategic autonomy reflects consistent engagement with both Russia and the West.
- India’s challenge is to maintain a stable balance, not oscillate between partners hostile to each other.