Abhishek Vij
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. for his 10th visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Putin with a hug and hosted a dinner in his honor. Putin is on a 30-hour, two-day visit to India. Although this is Putin’s tenth visit to India, this time he has come to India after four years. On Friday, Putin will participate in the 23rd India-Russia Summit at Hyderabad House and address the India-Russia Business Forum.
His cabinet members and a large delegation had already arrived in India. The significance of Putin’s visit to India can be gauged from the fact that several important agreements have already been reached between the two countries. These agreements include the ability of Russia and India to use each other’s military sites in the event of war. India and Russia currently have a trade volume of Rs 6.25 trillion (approximately $1.8 trillion). India now wants to establish a trade roadmap of Rs8 trillion (approximately $1.8 trillion) through trade talks with Russia. Not only the volume of trade between the two countries, but also the direction of trade is about to change. India wants to sell more textiles, mobile phones, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural equipment to Russia. During the annual summit, India wants to establish a trade partnership with Russia that will not impact its relations with the United States. The task is difficult, but if achieved, it will be a major achievement for India.
On the other hand, Russia and China also have deep economic ties. Currently, Russian markets are flooded with Chinese goods. This ideal situation is not possible for India to develop deep relations with Russia and China.
China has its own priorities. It may accept India emerging as a major regional power, but it will never accept India becoming a global power like it. India is well aware that any progress in its relations will be with Russia, and not at the expense of its relations with the United States. To this end, it cannot buy more crude oil from Russia. However, by diversifying trade and cooperation, it can write a new chapter in its friendship with Russia. On the other hand, Russia, burdened by trade sanctions imposed by the United States and European countries, will want to expand its trade relations with India because it cannot offer its entire market to China. Therefore, Russia has expressed its willingness to open its doors to Indian youth.
Russia is ready to provide jobs to 1 million skilled Indian youth. India’s arms deals with Russia and China are also set to strengthen. Russia has already agreed to provide India with S-400 and other security systems and SU-57 fighter jets. Progress may also be made on sharing online payments between the two countries. Our future trade relations will also depend on how the US responds to the 23rd India-Russia summit or the trade deal. India-Russia defense diplomacy is 70 years old and has now expanded to energy exchanges. Remember, despite US tariffs and penalties, India, which used to buy $2 billion worth of crude oil from Russia in 2021, is now buying up to $53 billion in 2025. The entire world is watching this visit of India’s best friend, Putin. China and Pakistan will also be watching to see what Putin brings to India in light of the Russia-India friendship.