Russian President Vladimir Putin A two-day visit begins on Thursday India With the aim of deepening defense relations, in a context characterized by pressure from the United States on New Delhi to reduce its purchases of Russian oil. The agenda includes meetings with the Prime Minister Narendra ModiA special meeting and a bilateral summit, in addition to a working meeting the next day.
According to what was reported by official Russian sources Agence France-PresseThe President travels accompanied by a delegation that includes the Minister of Defense Andrei BelousovWhile press reports indicated that the talks might include an agreement related to combat aircraft.
In parallel, trade relations emerge as a relevant point, with India caught between the need to maintain strategic imports from Russia and the interest in avoiding friction with Russia’s government. Donald Trumpare currently immersed in tariff negotiations with Delhi.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov He stated that the supply of S-400 air defense systems occupied “an important place on the agenda.” India currently has three S-400 units. Two additional shipments were pending under a deal signed in 2018 that was slowed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions. According to Indian media reports, Moscow could also consider joint production of Su-57 fighters.
India is among the world’s largest arms importers, and has maintained a close military relationship with Russia for decades. but, Russian participation in Indian purchases has declined: The proportion rose from 76% in the period 2009-2013 to 36% in the period 2019-2023, according to data from the Stockholm International Institute for Peace Studies (SIPRI).
In recent years, Delhi has sought to increase its production to reduce its dependence on external suppliers.
Putin’s visit also comes under a scenario in which Washington maintains a decisive stance regarding energy trade between India and Russia. Trump imposed in August 50% customs duty on most Indian products In response to Russian oil imports that the United States believes are contributing to financing the war in Ukraine.
India turned into One of the main buyers of Russian crude oil After excluding Moscow from European markets, it recently reduced part of these purchases due to pressures resulting from the sanctions applied to Rosneft and Lukoil.
The Indian government believes that a new energy or defense agreement with Russia could increase tensions with Washington and affect the ongoing trade talks. Peskov said Moscow does not express concern about US tariffs. “What worries us is how we will maintain and increase our bilateral business volume with India without allowing anyone to interfere.”He pointed out during a press conference organized by the Indian Sputnik agency.
Putin’s last visit to India was in December 2021. Analysts point out that the current trip gives the two leaders the opportunity to review the global panorama and the development of the war in Ukraine.
(Information from Agence France-Presse)