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Putin’s India Visit Reaffirms Ties but Exposes Limits on Defense and Trade

New agreements emphasized economics, with stalled arms deals, no mention of Ukraine, paused Russian oil buying.

Overview

  • Narendra Modi welcomed Vladimir Putin with conspicuous warmth, including an airport greeting and a shared car ride, projecting personal rapport.
  • Both sides announced an economic cooperation Programme to 2030 and signed memorandums on migration, health, maritime cooperation, fertilizers, customs, and academic and media collaboration.
  • Putin pledged "uninterrupted fuel supplies" to India even as many Indian refiners paused purchases of Russian crude in October in response to US tariffs and sanctions pressure.
  • No headline defense purchases were unveiled, and India has not concluded major arms deals with Russia since 2022 due to delivery delays as Moscow prioritizes its own military needs.
  • A 70‑point joint statement omitted any reference to Ukraine, while India continues to diversify partners through deeper trade and technology ties with Western economies.