Introduction
The relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin is defined by a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" that has remained resilient in 2024-2025. Despite immense pressure from the West following the Ukraine conflict, India and Russia have deepened their ties, driven by mutual geopolitical necessity and a strong personal rapport between the two leaders.
1. The Personal Equation: "Steadfast as a Pole Star"
The chemistry between Modi and Putin acts as a stabilizer for the broader diplomatic relationship. Their interactions go beyond standard protocol, marked by:
• Protocol Breaking: During Putin's recent visit to New Delhi in December 2025, PM Modi broke protocol to personally welcome him at the airport—a gesture reserved for closest allies.
• Mutual Praise: Putin has frequently praised Modi's "tough" leadership and independent foreign policy, stating that Modi "cannot be intimidated" by external pressure (a veiled reference to the U.S.).
• Frequent Contact: The leaders maintain regular contact through annual summits and phone calls, bypassing lower-level bureaucratic hurdles to resolve strategic issues directly.
2. Key Pillars of Cooperation
The partnership has shifted from a traditional "buyer-seller" defense relationship to a more comprehensive economic and strategic alliance.
A. Energy Security (The New Anchor)
Since the Ukraine war began, energy has replaced defense as the primary driver of bilateral trade.
• Russian Oil: Russia has become India's top oil supplier, providing discounted crude that helps stabilize India's economy.
• Future Deals: In the 2025 summit, Russia guaranteed "uninterrupted" energy supplies to India, shielding New Delhi from global volatility.
B. Defense: From Buying to Making
While India is diversifying its arms imports (buying more from France and the U.S.), Russia remains indispensable for critical technologies.
• Joint Production: The focus has shifted to "Make in India." Instead of just buying tanks, the nations are co-producing weapons (e.g., BrahMos missiles, AK-203 rifles) within India.
• Strategic Systems: India continues to operate the Russian S-400 missile defense system despite the threat of U.S. sanctions (CAATSA), signaling that its security autonomy is non-negotiable.
C. Trade & Connectivity
• Trade Target: Both leaders have set an ambitious target of $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
• The Deficit Issue: Currently, trade is heavily skewed; India buys billions in oil but exports relatively little to Russia. New agreements focus on Russia importing more Indian pharmaceuticals, machinery, and labor to balance the books.
• Geopolitics of Transport: Both nations are aggressively pushing the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This route allows Russia to trade with India and the Global South via Iran, bypassing Europe completely.
3. Geopolitical Balancing: The "Tightrope Walk"
The most complex aspect of their relationship is how they navigate the Ukraine war and Western pressure.
• Multipolar World: Both strongly advocate for a "Multipolar World"—a global order not dominated by the U.S. alone. This is the ideological glue of their relationship, shared across platforms like BRICS and the SCO.
• India's Balancing Act: India refuses to condemn Russia on Ukraine but also maintains defense partnerships with the U.S. and participates in Western-led forums. This has frustrated both Washington and Moscow but has allowed India to preserve its strategic autonomy.
4. Summary of Recent Developments (2024-2025)
• December 2025 Summit: Putin visited India; signed the "Economic Cooperation Programme till 2030."
• Kazan Summit (Oct 2024): Modi visited Russia for BRICS, reinforcing the message that the non-Western world is rising.
• Payment Mechanisms: Both nations are working on settling trade in national currencies (Rupees and Rubles) to bypass the U.S. dollar and Western banking sanctions.
Conclusion
The Modi-Putin relationship is a marriage of strategic pragmatism. For Putin, India is a vital economic lifeline and a diplomatic shield against isolation. For Modi, Russia is a guarantor of energy security and a partner that balances China's influence in Asia. While the West remains critical, New Delhi has successfully signaled that its relationship with Moscow is determined solely by India's national interest.
