The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, held in New Delhi, transcended routine diplomatic formalities, serving as a robust affirmation of the enduring ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between the two nations. Amidst a backdrop of intense geopolitical tensions, this meeting underscored India’s unwavering commitment to strategic autonomy, a principle that has long guided its foreign policy. The summit yielded a comprehensive set of outcomes, including a Vision 2030 roadmap for trade and technology, new energy and nuclear cooperation pledges, a landmark defence logistics agreement (RELOS), and agreements on labour mobility, healthcare, food safety, and maritime training.
However, the most significant aspect of this summit may not be immediately apparent. The sweeping tariffs and sanctions imposed by Washington on Russia, intended to isolate Moscow and weaken its economy, have instead accelerated Russia’s pivot eastward. India, with its vast and growing energy needs, has seized the opportunity presented by discounted Russian crude oil, leading to a surge in imports. This mutually beneficial trade corridor has not only helped India contain inflation and secure affordable energy supplies but has also strengthened its leverage in global geopolitics.
This deepening engagement with Russia is not without risks. It could strain India’s relations with the US and Europe, particularly if the Ukraine war drags on and peace efforts fail. Moreover, there is the danger of India being seen as enabling Russia’s resilience, which could invite diplomatic pressure. Navigating these risks will require careful diplomacy, clear communication, and a willingness to adjust as circumstances evolve.
Yet, the opportunities presented by this engagement are significant. By engaging with Russia while deepening ties with the US and Europe, India enhances its leverage. It demonstrates that it is indispensable to both sides, a swing state in global geopolitics. This autonomy is a strategic asset in a world of shifting alliances.
The enduring relationship with Russia rests on three critical pillars: defence, trade, and energy. Defence has always been the bedrock of India-Russia ties, with Moscow remaining the primary supplier of India’s military hardware. The finalisation of the RELOS agreement will further deepen operational cooperation. The summit also reshaped the two countries’ trade dynamic, with the India-Russia Economic Cooperation Programme aiming for $100 billion annual trade by 2030. In the energy sector, Russia reaffirmed uninterrupted fuel supplies to India and pledged cooperation on civil nuclear energy and critical minerals.
President Putin’s visit offered a masterclass in New Delhi’s foreign policy of multi-alignment. India’s decision to host the summit and continue its trade ties, despite overt disapproval from the West, is a clear exercise of strategic autonomy. It demonstrates that India will pursue its national interest, securing its essential needs, regardless of external pressures.
For Russia, strengthening ties with India is crucial. It acts as an important counterweight to Moscow’s increasing dependence on Beijing, allowing Russia to maintain a wider Asian engagement and ensuring it remains a significant player in the broader geopolitical landscape.
As Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and a former diplomat, noted, the summit was not about nostalgic rhetoric but about recalibration and resilience. It is a recognition by both sides that while the global order has shifted, their core national interests continue to align. The summit underscored practical cooperation while signalling that India-Russia ties remain resilient despite global turbulence.