Putin’s India Visit Sends Strong Message to the U.S.Curated by: Shailesh Kumar Shukla | Navbharat Times, 6 Dec 2025

Washington/New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin returned to Moscow after a highly successful visit to India, his first since the outbreak of the Ukraine war. Analysts say the visit has put U.S. President Donald Trump under scrutiny at home, as India-Russia ties strengthen despite American pressure.

Former Pentagon official Michael Kugelman stated that India had initially tried to distance itself from Russia, but U.S. actions under Trump inadvertently strengthened the New Delhi-Moscow partnership. Kugelman told NDTV that this visit marked a renewed phase of strategic cooperation between India and Russia.

“Over the past four years, this is the first time Putin has visited India. India has supported calls for peace in Ukraine, but the conflict has pushed Russia closer to China,” Kugelman said. He emphasized that the visit demonstrated India’s unwillingness to yield to U.S. pressure regarding its relations with Russia.

Trade and Defense Cooperation
Kugelman noted that India had reduced its oil imports from Russia under U.S. tariff pressure. Nevertheless, the visit allowed both leaders to explore new avenues in defense and trade. “Through this visit, Putin and Modi sent a clear signal to Western nations: external pressure will not drive a wedge between us,” he said, drawing parallels to Modi’s earlier meeting with Xi Jinping and Putin in China, which similarly conveyed a strong message to Trump.

Kugelman added that following the visit, efforts to reduce India’s trade deficit with Russia will accelerate, with increased Russian exports to India expected. Defense talks are also ongoing, reinforcing Russia’s position as India’s key weapons supplier. However, India is gradually reducing dependence on Russia, diversifying its defense procurement through countries such as the U.S., Israel, and France.

India’s Strategic Autonomy
Indian analyst Tanvi Madan highlighted that the visit showcased India’s strategic autonomy. “India demonstrated that no external power can veto its relationship with Russia,” Madan said. She noted that while India maintains strong ties with other global partners, it carefully balances these relationships, explaining why no major weapons deal was announced during the visit. “This measured approach reflects India’s recognition that the U.S., Europe, and Japan remain crucial economic partners. Around 40% of India’s exports go to Europe, the U.K., and the U.S., while exports to Russia are only about 1%.”

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s support for peace in Ukraine, signaling a balanced foreign policy that safeguards national interests while maintaining global partnerships.