Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India in the near future, as confirmed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. “We are working on the dates,” Peskov said, signaling the upcoming trip’s importance. This visit is poised to strengthen the historic and strategic partnership between the two nations, highlighting India’s growing influence on the global stage. Meanwhile, Pakistan is reportedly observing these developments with a sense of frustration, as the India-Russia bond continues to overshadow Islamabad’s limited global engagement.
India and Russia share a time-tested relationship spanning over seven decades. Built on pillars of defense cooperation, energy security, and mutual support in global forums, their partnership has weathered significant global shifts. Putin’s visit reaffirms Russia’s trust in India as a reliable ally and reflects India’s rising clout in global geopolitics.
Defense cooperation remains a cornerstone of their relationship. Russia has long been one of India’s largest suppliers of advanced military equipment, including the iconic S-400 missile defense system. During Putin’s visit, the two sides are expected to discuss the progress of ongoing defense projects, opportunities for joint production under India’s “Make in India” initiative, and ensuring the steady flow of supplies despite the strain on Russia’s defense industry due to the Ukraine conflict.
Energy security is another critical area of collaboration. India has emerged as one of Russia’s largest buyers of discounted crude oil amid Western sanctions, significantly strengthening their energy partnership. Talks during the visit may explore long-term energy deals, cooperation in nuclear power projects such as the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, and expanding collaborations in renewable energy technologies.
Trade has also seen a remarkable surge, with bilateral trade crossing record levels in recent years. This growth is primarily driven by India’s imports of Russian oil and fertilizers. However, trade imbalances persist, as Indian exports to Russia remain relatively low. Both nations are expected to explore ways to diversify trade, particularly in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and technology sectors. There is also growing interest in using local currencies—ruble and rupee—for transactions, bypassing the US dollar amidst sanctions.
Putin’s visit comes at a time when global alliances are undergoing a seismic shift. India has carefully maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy. This pragmatic approach has allowed New Delhi to preserve its strategic autonomy while fostering partnerships with both Russia and the West.
The visit is expected to address critical geopolitical issues, including the future of BRICS, Russia’s evolving ties with China, and strategies to counter Western dominance in multilateral forums. India’s ability to maintain a delicate balance between its traditional ally Russia and its growing alignment with the US and other Quad members showcases its diplomatic dexterity.
India’s stature on the global stage has grown significantly in recent years. Emerging as a world power and a leader of the Global South, India is increasingly seen as a voice for developing nations in international forums. Its presidency of the G20 and active role in BRICS have positioned India as a key advocate for the interests of countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Putin’s visit underscores India’s pivotal role in shaping a multipolar world order, reinforcing its leadership in tackling global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and economic inequality.
While India and Russia strengthen their bond, Pakistan is left on the sidelines. Islamabad’s attempts to build ties with Moscow have yielded little success. Russia remains wary of Pakistan due to its history of instability and its controversial role in fostering terrorism in the region.
Pakistan’s jealousy is apparent as India continues to secure high-profile visits and global recognition. Putin’s trip to India underscores the stark contrast between the two neighbors. While India is celebrated for its economic resilience and strategic foresight, Pakistan struggles with economic turmoil, IMF bailouts, and dwindling global influence.
Pakistan’s hopes of leveraging cricket diplomacy and regional rivalries to boost its stature are unlikely to make a dent in the geopolitical realities. The simple fact remains that India’s economic clout, defense capabilities, and diplomatic standing far outweigh anything Pakistan can offer.
Beyond geopolitics and trade, the visit is expected to explore cultural and scientific collaborations. Russia has been a longstanding partner in India’s space exploration journey, and discussions may focus on new joint projects in space research and technology. Strengthening people-to-people ties through educational and cultural exchanges is also likely to be on the agenda.
While the India-Russia partnership remains strong, it is not without challenges. Western sanctions on Russia have disrupted financial and logistical operations, while Russia’s growing dependence on China raises concerns for India, given its own tensions with Beijing. Both nations are expected to address these issues during the visit, finding ways to adapt to the rapidly changing global order.
For India, this visit reaffirms its commitment to a multipolar world where it can maintain strategic autonomy. For Russia, India remains a critical partner as it navigates its isolation from the West.