Putin's India Visit: Energy, Defense and Modi’s Diplomatic Balancing Act

Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a state visit to New Delhi this week for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on deepening economic, defense and energy ties — a summit that will also test New Delhi’s delicate balancing of relations with Moscow and Washington amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Visit overview

Putin is due to arrive on Thursday for a state visit and will hold formal talks with Modi on Friday. Officials from both governments say the leaders will review bilateral progress, sign intergovernmental and business agreements, and discuss a range of issues from trade and energy to defense and migration.

Diplomatic backdrop

The summit comes as the United States renews efforts to promote a peace plan for Ukraine and seeks broader cooperation from global partners. New Delhi has avoided outright condemnation of Moscow’s military actions and instead stresses the need for a negotiated settlement. Analysts say India is pursuing quieter diplomacy to avoid complicating ties with either side.

“Behind-the-scenes diplomacy by Modi is feasible and has already happened to some extent,” said Sreeram Sundar Chaulia of the Jindal School of International Affairs. He suggested Modi could press Putin to accommodate Ukrainian and European concerns to help bring about a cessation of hostilities.

Economic and trade agenda

Indian officials say the two countries plan to deliver a package of documents centered on economic cooperation, trade facilitation, maritime links, healthcare and media exchange. New Delhi is pushing to expand exports of pharmaceuticals, agricultural goods and textiles to Russia, and to reduce non-tariff barriers. India is also seeking long-term fertilizer supplies and agreements to protect and regulate the migration of skilled Indian workers to Russia.

Energy cooperation and U.S. pressure

Energy will be high on the agenda. India has continued buying discounted Russian crude, which Washington says helps sustain Moscow’s revenues for the war in Ukraine. In response to those purchases, the United States has used trade and sanction tools to increase pressure — in August, President Donald Trump raised tariffs on certain Indian imports to 50% as part of that effort. New U.S. sanctions on Russian oil majors such as Rosneft and Lukoil complicate the picture; Indian officials say New Delhi will avoid purchases from sanctioned firms while keeping options open with non-targeted companies.

Indian leaders emphasize their purchases are driven by energy security for a population of roughly 1.4 billion and by compliance with international sanctions. Energy cooperation discussed at the summit may include investments in Russia’s Far East and expanded civil nuclear collaboration, including further work linked to the Kudankulam nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu.

Defense cooperation

Defense ties remain a central pillar. India has received three S-400 surface-to-air missile squadrons under a 2018 deal worth around $5.4 billion and is pressing Moscow for faster delivery of two additional squadrons. Delivery delays have been attributed to supply-chain disruptions related to the war in Ukraine. Indian officials are also discussing upgrades to the Su-30MKI fighter fleet, acceleration of other military deliveries, and deeper coordination on joint exercises and disaster relief.

Russia is keen to market its Su-57 stealth fighter to India, though New Delhi continues to evaluate multiple suppliers as it diversifies procurement.

What to watch

• Whether India and Russia sign substantive economic packages covering trade, fertilizers and labor mobility.
• Any commitments on energy flows and how India navigates new U.S. sanctions on Russian oil firms.
• Progress or firm timelines on outstanding defense deliveries, especially the remaining S-400 squadrons.
• Signals on diplomatic engagement around the Ukraine conflict and any quiet mediation efforts by New Delhi.

The summit will be closely watched in capitals worldwide as a barometer of how India balances its strategic partnerships while advancing national interests in energy, defense and trade.