Russian President Vladimir Putin is starting a two-day visit to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attend an annual summit between the two nations. Delhi and Moscow are expected to sign various deals during a visit that comes amid increasing U.S. pressure on India to reduce Russian oil imports. Modi and Putin share a close relationship forged over decades, with Putin viewed as a key ally in India’s geopolitical maneuvering as it balances relations with the West.

Putin’s visit holds substantial significance as India navigates the pressures stemming from its alliance with the U.S., particularly after an additional 25% tariff was imposed on Indian goods due to the ongoing oil deals with Russia. India’s imports from Russia surged from 2.5% to 35% following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlighting both the economic interdependence and the increasing stakes.

While the defense sector remains a priority, as evidenced by anticipated talks around high-tech weapons, India's decreasing reliance on Russian arms illustrates complex dilemmas. Modi's aim will be to enhance trade ties without jeopardizing relationships with Western partners, all while ensuring India’s strategic autonomy in a fast-evolving geopolitical space. This summit could lead to developing new avenues of collaboration, signifying more than just a diplomatic handshake but a comprehensive strategy to reshape future alliances.