India Navigates Russia Ties Amid Western Pressure
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, India is seeking to balance its relationship with Moscow and the West, according to a report in the Hindu newspaper. The report noted that the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership program between India and Russia was marked by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi last week, a pivotal moment in the history of relations between the two countries.
The Hindu highlighted the significance of Putin’s visit, noting that it occurred while the West was attempting to isolate Moscow and the Russian President.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government welcomed Putin in New Delhi, signaling to Moscow and Western capitals that India remains committed to the Ukraine peace process and desires balanced relations with Russia.
The Hindu referenced the roadmap for increased economic cooperation between Russia and India, unveiled during Modi’s visit to Moscow in 2024, stating that India aims to enhance economic cooperation with Russia.
This roadmap emphasizes increasing trade, developing maritime corridors, and strengthening payment mechanisms in national currencies to bypass Western sanctions.
While the report noted the absence of discussions regarding increased oil imports from Russia or the signing of agreements in sensitive areas such as defense, nuclear, and space industries, it highlighted that New Delhi is considering Western concerns in its relations with Russia.
India is striving to strike a balance between cooperating with Russia and maintaining strategic relations with the United States and the European Union.
