Putin’s trip to India: a bid to break diplomatic isolation • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Geopolitical Message: Putin's visit to India as a signal to the world, particularly the West, about Russia's perceived lack of isolation.
• Multipolar World Order: The emerging global system where power is distributed among multiple centers, as opposed to a unipolar (US-dominated) or bipolar (US-Soviet) order.
• Sanctions: Economic penalties imposed by countries, in this case, the US against Russia's oil sector.
• Discounted Oil: Reduced prices offered by Russia on its oil exports due to difficulties in finding buyers.
• Decades-Old Ties: The long-standing historical and strategic relationship between India and Russia (formerly the Soviet Union).
• Diplomatic Tightrope: India's strategy of balancing relationships with multiple global powers, particularly the US and Russia, to serve its national interests.
• Defense Cooperation: Collaboration between countries on military matters, including arms sales and technology transfer.
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Natural gas that has been cooled into a liquid form for easier transportation and storage.

Vladimir Putin's Visit to India: Deepening Defense Ties Amidst US Pressure

President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to India marks his first trip to the country since the commencement of the Ukraine war. The primary objective of this visit is to strengthen defense ties between Russia and India. This comes at a time when New Delhi is facing increasing pressure from the United States to cease its purchases of Russian oil. India is attempting to navigate this complex geopolitical landscape by maintaining its long-standing relationship with Russia, which dates back to its independence, without alienating the US and Europe, especially during a period of strained international relations.

Who Benefits Most from the Summit?

International affairs commentator Doug Herbert posits that Russia benefits most from this summit.

• Putin's Message of Non-Isolation: For Vladimir Putin, the visit serves as a significant message to the global community, particularly Europe and the United States. It aims to demonstrate that Russia is not as isolated or ostracized as perceived, positioning itself at the center of an emerging multipolar world order rather than the US or Europe. Herbert argues that Europe, in this context, is the one becoming isolated.
• Economic Necessity for Russia: The visit occurs during the fourth year of Russia's war in Ukraine, a conflict that requires substantial funding. This trip follows closely after the US imposed stringent sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, which were significant contributors to Russia's budget revenues.
• India as a Crucial Market for Russian Oil: India has become a vital market for Russian oil, which Russia has struggled to sell to most other nations, with the exception of China and a few smaller buyers.
  • Data on Oil Imports: Prior to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian oil constituted approximately 2.5% of India's total oil imports. Since then, this figure has dramatically increased to about 35% due to discounted prices offered by Russia. While India's purchases of Russian oil decreased in the month prior to the discussion due to adjusted sanctions, it is anticipated that India will find ways to increase these imports again.

The Enduring India-Russia Relationship

The relationship between India and Russia is characterized by its resilience and longevity, having survived the Cold War and remained strong ever since.

• Historical Context: The ties between the two nations span over 70 years, dating back to 1955 when Soviet leaders Khrushchev and Bulganin made significant visits to India.
• Soviet Support During the Cold War: The Soviet Union consistently supported India, particularly during its conflict with Pakistan in the 1970s, at a time when the US was aligning with Pakistan.
• Current Defense Cooperation: Defense cooperation has been intensified in the current era. India is reportedly considering the acquisition of significant Soviet air defense systems and fighter jets. This ongoing collaboration reflects a natural affinity between the two countries.
• RT's Launch in India: The launch of RT (Russia Today), a Russian state-funded news outlet, in India ahead of Putin's visit, with billboards in New Delhi proclaiming "this dialogue began decades ago. We're just turning the volume up," highlights the historical depth and ongoing relevance of this relationship.

India's Diplomatic Balancing Act

India is engaged in a delicate balancing act to maintain its strategic partnerships.

• US Pressure on Oil Purchases: The US is exerting pressure on India to cease its oil imports from Russia.
• India's Response: India has so far managed to walk a diplomatic tightrope, continuing to purchase Russian oil while also being sensitive to US concerns.
• Negotiations with the US: India is actively negotiating several deals with the US, including the purchase of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and jet engines. This demonstrates India's commitment to preserving its trade relationship with the US without abandoning its ties with Moscow.
• Complexity of the Strategy: Doug Herbert emphasizes that this balancing act is "very difficult" and not something to be attempted lightly.

Conclusion

President Putin's visit to India underscores Russia's strategic imperative to secure markets for its oil and demonstrate its continued global relevance amidst Western sanctions. For India, the visit highlights its long-standing defense and diplomatic ties with Russia, while simultaneously navigating the complex geopolitical pressures from the United States. The enduring nature of the India-Russia relationship, rooted in decades of cooperation, provides a stable foundation for these ongoing interactions, even as India seeks to diversify its partnerships and maintain its strategic autonomy.