Putin Seeks New Alliances in India Amid Global Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a high-profile visit to India on December 5, where he held a summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking his first visit to the country since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. The talks, which took place in New Delhi, come at a time when Washington has been pressuring Indian companies to avoid buying Russian oil if they want to continue doing business in the United States. According to Professor Šumit Ganguly, Director of the Huntington Program at Stanford's Hoover Institution, Putin's visit to India reflects the ongoing ties between the two nations despite U.S. pressure. "India and Russia have a long-standing strategic partnership, and this visit is a testament to that," Ganguly said. "While the U.S. may be trying to isolate Russia, India is not willing to take a confrontational stance, and this visit is a reflection of that." The visit comes after President Joe Biden imposed 50 tariffs on most Indian products in August, arguing that Delhi's purchases of Russian oil have helped fund the war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi now faces a tough balancing act between India's strategic ties with Russia and its economic interests with the United States. India has been a significant buyer of Russian oil, and the country's energy needs are expected to continue to drive its demand for Russian crude. India's relations with Russia date back to the Cold War era, and the two countries have maintained a strong strategic partnership over the years. India has been a key player in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, a grouping of four countries that also includes the United States, Japan, and Australia, aimed at countering China's growing influence in the region. However, India's ties with Russia have also been a source of tension with the United States, which has been critical of India's purchase of Russian oil. The visit also comes ahead of the G-20 summit in New Delhi next year, where world leaders are expected to gather to discuss global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin's visit to India is seen as an attempt to strengthen Russia's ties with the country ahead of the summit. The visit has been seen as a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, India's stance on the conflict remains ambiguous. While India has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, it has also maintained that the issue is a bilateral matter between Russia and Ukraine. The visit to India is seen as a reflection of Russia's efforts to maintain its ties with key players in the region, including India, as the conflict continues to escalate.