Putin–Modi New Delhi Meeting: Bilateral Talks Begin on Ukraine Crisis and Trade Issues

International Desk | PNN

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a day-long summit in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting drew intense international attention due to the Ukraine war, Western sanctions, Russia–India trade relations, and global diplomatic pressures.

This marks Putin’s first visit to India since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While trade between Russia and India has increased since the war, the United States recently imposed additional tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, complicating India’s diplomatic position.

At the start of the summit, Modi stated, “India is never neutral. Our position is for peace, and we support any peace efforts.” Putin praised Modi’s peace initiative and mentioned that India has been kept informed about discussions with the United States and other partners on resolving the Ukraine crisis.

Russia and India have long been strategic partners, with Moscow being India’s largest arms supplier. The two countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. Trade between them reached a record $68 billion in 2024.

On Friday, Putin met with India’s President Draupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, laid a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat, and held discussions with Modi at Hyderabad House on defense, energy, and trade issues.

Tensions are rising between India and the US over Russian oil imports. The US recently tightened sanctions on Russian companies Lukoil and Rosneft, creating risks for India’s oil imports. India stated that several non-Western countries are trading with Russia for their own interests.

Western pressure also exists regarding India’s purchase of Russian weapons. Moscow wants India to buy more S-400 missile defense systems and Su-57 fighter jets.

Despite an international arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Putin, India is not an ICC member, so his visit faced no restrictions. Modi personally welcomed Putin at the airport and hosted a private dinner, drawing global attention.

Analysts say India’s visit demonstrates that it maintains independent foreign policy despite Western pressures, while for Russia, it signals that it is not isolated globally. Putin will leave India on Friday night. Experts note that while bilateral ties may gain momentum, pressures from the Ukraine war and global geopolitics remain.