The “need” for both countries right now is to boost “bilateral trade”, as Russia is “reeling” from Western sanctions and India is “facing 50% tariffs from Washington”.

President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for his first state visit to India since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, showcasing warming ties that have angered the US and led to hefty trade tariffs.

The Russian President's India trip comes as relations between Washington and Delhi remain strained, writes Harsh V. Pant.

While not altering the global balance of power in any meaningful way, Putin’s visit might actually diminish India’s significance in the eyes of the West.

Russian and Indian leaders reaffirm ‘strategic partnership’ and highlight joint work on nuclear power and critical materials

In the middle of complex geopolitics and Western pressure, a non-Western vehicle signalled an independent Indian foreign-policy posture.