Overview
- Narendra Modi personally welcomed Vladimir Putin and praised an age‑tested Indo‑Russian friendship before scheduled talks in the Indian capital.
- Washington has pressed India to halt Russian crude imports, with the U.S. imposing a 50% surcharge on Indian exports in August as President Donald Trump touted a pledge from Modi to end such purchases.
- Commercial data provider Kpler reports India’s intake of Russian oil has decreased in recent months, and several Indian companies say they have stopped sourcing from Moscow.
- Defense cooperation is expected to feature in the discussions, with the Kremlin saying S‑400 air defenses will be raised and Indian media noting interest in Russia’s Su‑57 fighter.
- Bilateral trade hit a record $68.7 billion in 2024–2025, and both leaders say they want to rebalance flows that currently favor Russia.