India’s deft diplomacy on show during Putin’s visit The Statesman 09 Dec 2025
https://epaper.thestatesman.com/4091512/Kolkata-The-Statesman/09-TH-DECEMBER-2025#page/9/2
India’s deft diplomacy on show during Putin’s visit The Statesman 09 Dec 2025
Putin’s recently concluded visit was high on optics while deliverables were intentionally kept low key. This was Putin’s first visit to India since the commencement of the Ukraine war. The two leaders had last met just about three months ago on the sidelines of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) summit in China. The photograph of them travelling together for their bilateral in Tianjin displayed the depth of Indo-Russia ties. This visit also followed Russia’s partial rejection of the US peace proposal on the Ukraine conflict, aware that it holds the cards.
Interestingly, India-Russia relations, especially since the Ukraine conflict, have been facing US scrutiny on one pretext or the other. In 2022, soon after the Ukraine war commenced, the Biden administration contemplated imposing sanctions on India for procuring Russia’s S400 missile systems under the Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. They never questioned India’s oil procurements. The Trump administration questions oil procurements without commenting on Indo-Russian defence deals.
Both, Biden and Trump governments, assume Indian procurements have helped fuel Russia’s war machinery. This despite the US too procuring raw materials from Russia. These threats compelled India to reconsider its procurements. India diversified its defence purchases and enhanced its Aatmanirbharta policies. It is doing the same with its current oil procurements.
Indo-Russia ties have also been criticized by Europe. An article written jointly by diplomats of three European nations in a major national daily, just prior to the visit, accused Russia for the ‘war in Ukraine and disregard for human life.’ This displayed Europe’s mindset. The Indian MEA rightly criticized the article.
Interestingly, Putin’s visit to India is barely six weeks before German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and EUs Ursula Von Der Leyen and Antonio Costa arrive as chief guests for the Republic Day as also to participate in the EU-India Summit.
The world watched as India rolled out the red carpet for Putin, the likes of which are rarely seen. PM Modi received him at the airport as also both drove together to the PM’s residence. There was scant concern of India being impacted by western criticism. India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty which established the ICC (International Criminal Court), and hence the warrant issued for Putin by the ICC has no meaning.
For India, Russia has always been a stable ally, unlike the US, which changes its India policy based on the whims of the President. As Jaishankar stated, ‘India and Russia have been amongst the steadiest big relationships in the world.’
The messages conveyed by the visit were multiple, even though deals inked were lesser than expected. Firstly, it displayed close bonding between the two countries. Both have stood by the other despite changing global orders. Secondly, India confirmed it will continue to follow its strategic autonomy. New Delhi refused to be cowed down by western criticism of Putin.
Thirdly, India does not join the west in blaming Russia for the Ukraine conflict but rather supports a negotiated settlement. As PM Modi mentioned, ‘India is not neutral, India is on the side of peace.’ Fourthly, while defence deals were not inked, offers were made which would be followed up. The message from Russia was that we will adhere to your policy of Aatmanirbharta.
For Moscow too there were outcomes. Firstly, the visit displayed that Putin can never be isolated. His recent visits to Alaska, China and now India displays he is still in demand, despite all sanctions. This would also augur well with the Russian populace. Secondly, Indo-Russia ties remain steadfast. Thirdly, both nations are pushing for a multipolar world rather than bi-polar as China desires or unipolar as Washington seeks. Finally, Russia conveyed that despite its growing partnership with China, which avoids sanctions, its ties with India remain unaffected.
No announcements on defence and oil were intentional. While lucrative defence and oil offers were made, there was no official acceptance. The Russian defence industry is currently catering to the ongoing conflict while India seeks to avoid further US sanctions. These will be pursued shortly. India would have highlighted its concerns on delays in defence supplies, especially the S400 missile systems.
There was an agreement to boost bilateral trade, which is the need of the hour for both as they remain impacted by sanctions. 90% of Indo-Russian trade is being conducted in local currencies, by passing the western led financial system, a concern for the US.
The joint statement sent out a message that India is no longer just a purchaser of Russian equipment. It would henceforth be involved in joint research, development and production. Russia will share its defence technology which the west hesitates. In return, India would establish pharmaceutical and fertilizer companies in Russia. For both, this would enable them to avoid western sanctions, while opening new markets. India is already manufacturing the Brahmos missile jointly and on license the AK 203 rifles.
The most crucial part of the visit was the dinner hosted by PM Modi. It would have been there that major discussions including on the Ukraine war and future procurements would have taken place. This is also where PM Modi would have conveyed his views on the Ukraine conflict. The fact that New Delhi seeks to invite the Ukrainian President to visit early next year indicates India’s intent to engage both camps, displaying its desire for peace as also its global outreach.
India, by avoiding announcing defence and energy deals, signals that it is keen to maintain ties with both, the west led by the US as also Russia. It also signals New Delhi’s intent to enhance its trade ties with both sides of the bridge. India is now heading to be the world’s third largest economy as also has a very lucrative market. It is thus in a position to ink favourable trade deals, which it is doing.
While the optics were high the deliverables indicated that India will not act with one group against the other. It will also not support any side in a war but push for peace through dialogue. The world watched the visit with interest, waiting for announcements which could be questioned, but none emerged. Both nations played their cards well, while demonstrating that their relationship is mature and time-tested. Most importantly, New Delhi conveyed its ability to deal with opposing camps.