Steve Rosenberg,
Russia editor, in Delhiand
Vikas Pandey,
India editor
Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a busy day in India with a formal banquet at the presidential residence, where he began his official events with a guard of honour. Throughout the day, he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, participated in a business forum, and announced the launch of Russia Today, a Kremlin-funded state media channel.
A Display of Pageantry, Yet Limited Announcements
Putin’s welcome was grand, generating much praise in Russia. The state-controlled media showcased the ceremonial reception, emphasizing that despite Western attempts to isolate him following the Ukraine invasion, India warmly embraced him.
Despite the elaborate ceremonies, few significant agreements were reached. Nonetheless, both India and Russia promoted their “special and privileged partnership,” with discussions on economic cooperation programs, critical minerals, and a new pharmaceutical factory in Russia.
Focus on Trade During the Visit
While Modi warmly greeted Putin at the airport, highlighting India’s enduring bond with Russia, the high-profile meetings did not yield groundbreaking deals. Notably absent were major agreements concerning arms or oil imports.
However, trade remained central, driven by Western sanctions on Russia and India’s own high tariffs from the U.S. Both countries aim to strengthen their economic ties, which have long underperformed, amidst a backdrop of Russia’s rising oil exports to India.
Beyond oil and defense, additional agreements were made in various sectors, including shipbuilding and civil nuclear energy. Modi emphasized enhancing business relations, aligning with India’s search for new markets and a possible free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
In summary, while the visit focused heavily on trade, the absence of a major defense deal doesn’t diminish Russia’s significance to India’s military needs. However, ongoing discussions about advanced defense systems continue, although the repercussions of the Ukraine conflict might impact timelines for current agreements.
