Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India for the first time since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022, signaling a failure of US-led efforts to isolate him on the global stage. The visit, the dates for which are still being finalized, is expected to be an important diplomatic event. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the trip, highlighting the significance of the relationship between Russia and India.
Diplomatic Ties Between Russia and India
India and Russia have historically maintained strong diplomatic and military ties, dating back to the Cold War era. Prior to the invasion of Ukraine, the two countries held annual summits between their leaders. However, the planned in-person summit in December 2022 was canceled after Putin’s nuclear threats during the war. In the interim, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Putin during the BRICS summit in Russia last month and visited Moscow in July for his first trip to Russia since the war began.
Strategic Importance of the Visit
The upcoming visit by Putin comes amid growing geopolitical tensions, particularly with the United States, which has worked to isolate Russia internationally due to its invasion of Ukraine. While Modi’s engagement with Putin has raised concerns in Washington, India remains an essential ally for Russia, especially in the face of rising influence from China in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, India has emerged as one of Russia’s top buyers of oil, a vital part of Moscow’s economic strategy in the face of Western sanctions.
Putin’s Confidence Amid ICC Warrant
Putin’s trip to India also marks a growing confidence in his ability to travel internationally despite the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 2023, related to alleged war crimes in Ukraine. India is not a member of the ICC, meaning it is not obliged to enforce the warrant. This contrasts with other countries, such as South Africa and Brazil, where Putin faced political pressure to comply with international obligations regarding the warrant. In fact, Putin chose not to attend the G-20 summit in India last year for fear of distractions caused by the warrant.
Continued Russian-Indian Cooperation
Putin’s potential visit underscores the ongoing strength of Russian-Indian ties, especially in areas like defense cooperation and energy trade. While Western efforts to isolate Russia may persist, India’s strategic position in the Asia-Pacific region and its historical relationship with Moscow remain key factors in the diplomatic calculus.
