Vladimir Putin's State Visit to India: Strengthening Ties Amid Global Tensions

On Thursday evening, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for a two-day state visit aimed at enhancing the nearly 80-year-old partnership between India and Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed the Russian leader at Palam Airport with a hug, showcasing the cordial relations between the two nations. Following this, both leaders traveled together to 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the Prime Minister. PM Modi hosted a private dinner for Putin, reciprocating the hospitality he received during his visit to Moscow last July.

The timing of Putin's visit is particularly significant against the backdrop of deteriorating India-US relations. Following the summit, both sides are expected to sign several agreements, including those related to trade. On Friday morning, a ceremonial welcome for Putin will take place at the Presidential Palace before the summit.

PM Modi will also host a working lunch for the Russian leader and his delegation at Hyderabad House. According to sources, Putin is scheduled to visit Raj Ghat in the morning. After the summit, he will launch a new India channel for Russia's state broadcaster and then attend a state banquet hosted in his honor by President Droupadi Murmu.

Putin is anticipated to depart India around 9 PM on Friday. During the summit, discussions will likely focus on India's significant crude oil purchases from Russia, which aim to address the growing trade deficit. The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that while India's crude oil imports may temporarily decrease due to Western sanctions, Moscow is taking steps to increase supply.

The visit comes at a time when India-US relations are arguably at their lowest in two decades, exacerbated by the US imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods and a 25% levy on Indian purchases of Russian crude oil. The summit is expected to address the implications of US sanctions on India's crude oil imports from Russia.

During the summit, PM Modi is expected to discuss the new US efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict with Putin. India has consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths to end the war. Following their discussions, several agreements are anticipated, including one aimed at facilitating the movement of Indian workers to Russia and another focused on logistics support under a broader defense cooperation framework. It is reported that under the trade basket, there is an expected increase in Indian exports to Russia in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food products, and consumer goods, addressing New Delhi's concerns over the rising trade deficit with Russia.