Overview
- The New Delhi meetings marked Vladimir Putin’s first trip to India since 2022, a rare foreign visit since the ICC issued a warrant for his arrest.
- Putin said Russia will keep oil flowing to fuel India’s fast-growing economy, as Narendra Modi welcomed him and highlighted energy as a pillar of the partnership.
- Talks covered defense ties with reported Indian interest in additional S-400 systems and the Su-57 fighter, alongside plans to rebalance a record $68.7 billion in bilateral trade in 2024–2025.
- Washington has increased pressure on New Delhi, including a 50% surcharge on some Indian exports and public claims by President Donald Trump that India would stop buying Russian crude, which India has not confirmed.
- European officials registered disappointment over the lack of movement on Ukraine during the visit, as leaders such as Emmanuel Macron pushed to tighten pressure on Russia and the EU debated using frozen Russian assets.