Russia Challenges India to Elevate Strategic Partnership Ahead of Putin’s Visit

Ahead of President Vladimir Putin‘s visit to New Delhi on December 4-5, 2023, Russia has signaled a strong interest in deepening its strategic partnership with India. During an online press briefing organized by the Russian agency Sputnik, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Moscow is prepared to enhance its relationship with India, contingent upon New Delhi’s willingness to engage. This statement has drawn significant attention from geopolitical analysts and strategists alike.

Peskov highlighted the growing partnership between Russia and China, suggesting that India holds a similar potential for collaboration. He stated, “China is our special strategic partner. We are ready to expand cooperation beyond limits with China. Our approach with India is the same. As far as India is ready to go, we are prepared to go that far.” This assertion places the onus on India to determine the depth of future relations between the two nations.

In his remarks, Peskov also acknowledged the pressures India faces due to its ties with Russia, underscoring the need for both countries to safeguard their trade relations from external influences. “We understand that India is under pressure. That is why we must be very careful while advancing our ties,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a trade relationship insulated from third-party interference.

Strategic Considerations for India

Putin’s comments, made in conjunction with Peskov’s statements, signal a concerted effort by Russia to offer India a robust partnership as a counterbalance to its growing reliance on China. Geopolitical strategist Velina Tchakarova remarked on the significance of this balancing act, indicating that Moscow aims to elevate India to an equal strategic status with China. “Russia has just signaled a ‘no-limits’ strategic partnership to India,” she noted, suggesting that India’s acceptance of this offer could substantially alter the geopolitical landscape in Asia.

Despite this overture from Russia, experts caution that India must navigate its relationships with both the United States and China carefully. Dean of the Jindal School of International Affairs, Sreeram Chaulia, pointed out that India’s ties with Russia are primarily driven by energy and defense needs, while its relationship with the US is broader and multi-dimensional. He stated, “India cannot abandon Washington for Moscow, nor can it drop Russia for the United States.”

India’s trade with Russia has surged, reaching approximately $63 billion in 2023, with expectations to reach $100 billion by 2030. However, this increase has primarily stemmed from discounted Russian oil, raising concerns about the sustainability of this trade relationship. Despite this growth, the trade balance remains heavily skewed in Russia’s favor; in 2024, India exported only $4.88 billion worth of goods to Russia while importing $63.84 billion.

Challenges Ahead of Putin’s Visit

As Putin prepares to visit India, there are indications that India’s oil imports from Russia have already begun to decline. Ajay Srivastava, head of the Delhi-based think tank GTRI, observed that Indian companies have reduced crude oil imports from Russia, reflecting a significant shift in purchasing patterns. Official data showed that Russia’s total exports to India fell by 27.7% year-on-year in October 2025.

India is also cautious about the potential implications of being perceived as part of an anti-American bloc—an image that some analysts associate with the Russia-China partnership. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reiterated India’s commitment to strategic autonomy, emphasizing that the nation will not compromise its principles.

Strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney views Putin’s visit as a crucial geopolitical statement. He argues that in a world increasingly divided into rival blocs, the visit underscores India’s intention to maintain its autonomy while balancing its relationships with major powers. Chellaney posits that the visit could lead to significant agreements, including new payment channels to bypass the SWIFT system and reduce reliance on the US dollar.

In conclusion, as President Putin’s visit approaches, India faces complex decisions regarding its international partnerships. The balancing act between maintaining strong ties with Russia while nurturing its relationship with the United States will require careful navigation. The outcomes of this visit could reshape not only bilateral relations but also the geopolitical dynamics in Asia.