U.S. Grows Uneasy as President Putin’s India Visit Signals Deepening Moscow–New Delhi Ties, Says American Think Tank

Washington/New Delhi.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi this month has triggered unease in Washington, rekindling debate over India’s long-standing strategic partnership with Russia at a time of rapidly shifting global geopolitics. According to Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council, the positive reception to Putin’s visit within India has amplified concerns inside the U.S. administration regarding the trajectory of India–Russia relations.

Speaking to NDTV, Kugelman warned that the successful Russia–India summit—with its detailed joint statement and renewed commitments to commercial and military cooperation—could be interpreted in Washington as India “strengthening Putin” at a time when the U.S. is trying to revive the peace process in Ukraine.
Kugelman, however, acknowledged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is simultaneously engaging with Kyiv, which underscores New Delhi’s continued commitment to neutrality. Still, he noted that the summit exposed the limits of India’s strategic autonomy in an increasingly polarized world.

Why Putin’s Visit Has Heightened U.S. Anxiety

Kugelman said the timing of Putin’s visit is particularly unsettling for Washington. With the Quad summit postponed and the U.S. having imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, fears are mounting that Moscow–New Delhi closeness could complicate American diplomatic efforts.

He pointed out that India’s recent decision to modestly reduce oil imports from Russia—just days before Putin’s arrival—reflects the delicate balancing act New Delhi is performing as pressures mount simultaneously from Moscow and Western capitals.

Trade Tensions and Tariff Fears Remain

While India’s new gas deal with the U.S. may ease some American concerns and bring potential concessions for New Delhi, bilateral trade tensions remain unresolved.
The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on multiple partners, from Japan to Canada, leading India to brace for possible spillover effects. Trump’s public criticism of the Indian economy and mixed signals regarding his personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi have further added to the diplomatic unease.

Will the U.S. Move to Stabilize Relations with India?

Kugelman cautioned that countries seeking tariff relief from Trump in the past have had to make significant concessions, and India may face similar pressure.
However, he also noted that recent developments suggest both sides are inching closer to a deal, offering a measure of optimism.

In a key signal of Washington’s intent, Kugelman highlighted the nomination of Sergio Gor as the new U.S. Ambassador to India. Gor, known for his strong pro-India stance, is expected to play a major role in strengthening and stabilizing bilateral ties.

As global alignments shift and U.S.–Russia tensions deepen, Putin’s India visit has underscored the complex strategic chessboard that New Delhi must navigate—and why Washington is watching every move closely.