Putin’s 2025 India Visit Strengthens Strategic Partnership

The Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India in early December 2025 marks important moment in the evolving global geopolitical scenario. This visit, the 23rd annual summit between India and Russia, is the first since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It marks the resilience of the “special and privileged strategic partnership” amid Western pressures and shifting international alliances.

Context of the Visit

Putin’s visit comes as India faces increasing Western pressure, especially from the United States, due to its continued ties with Russia. The US has imposed tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil. Despite this, India maintains its strategic autonomy and seeks to balance relations with both Moscow and Washington. The visit puts stress on India’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with Russia while navigating a complex global order.

Diplomatic and Strategic Discussions

The summit follows preparatory talks involving India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Russian officials. Key discussions include enhancing cooperation in maritime connectivity, port development, shipbuilding, and the blue economy. Both leaders will address global issues like the Ukraine conflict and coordinate within international organisations such as the UN, BRICS, G20, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Russia supports India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Defence Cooperation

Defence remains central to the bilateral relationship. The summit will focus on joint projects like developing a fifth-generation fighter jet and advancing missile defence systems including the S-400 and potential S-500 deliveries. Russia continues to be a vital supplier for India’s military needs despite India’s efforts to diversify defence partners. Defence collaboration is expected to deepen with new agreements and deals.

Economic and Energy Ties

India and Russia aim to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. Energy cooperation is a priority, covering oil supply, nuclear power expansion at Kudankulam, and diamond trade. Both countries seek to overcome challenges related to logistics and payments, exploring alternative mechanisms beyond Western-controlled financial systems. Talks on a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union are underway to diversify trade beyond energy.

Labour and Mobility Agreements

A bilateral mobility pact is expected to be signed to facilitate legal migration of skilled Indian workers to Russia. This agreement will protect Indian professionals in sectors like construction, textiles, engineering, electronics, and IT. Russia faces labour shortages and aims to attract Indian talent. The pact ensures dignified employment and legal protections for Indian workers, encouraging people-to-people ties.

Significance for Global Order

The visit reaffirms a multi-polar world vision championed by both India and Russia. It strengthens their strategic partnership amid global power shifts and Western attempts to isolate Russia. India demonstrates diplomatic skill by maintaining historic ties with Russia while engaging with other major powers pragmatically. The summit is a key test of India’s ability to assert its strategic autonomy.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Taking example of India-Russia relations, discuss how strategic autonomy shapes India’s foreign policy in a multipolar world.
2. Examine the role of international organisations like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in promoting a multipolar global order.
3. Discuss in the light of India’s energy security, how diversification of energy sources impacts its geopolitical alignments and economic growth.
4. Critically discuss the challenges and opportunities of bilateral labour mobility agreements in strengthening international relations and economic cooperation.

Answer Hints:

1. Taking example of India-Russia relations, discuss how strategic autonomy shapes India’s foreign policy in a multipolar world.

1. India maintains independent decision-making, balancing relations with major powers like Russia and the US.
2. Strategic autonomy allows India to pursue long-term partnerships despite external pressures (e.g., US tariffs over Russian oil).
3. India-Russia ties exemplify resilience and continuity amid changing global geopolitics, including the Ukraine conflict.
4. India leverages partnerships to enhance defense, energy, and technology without aligning exclusively with any bloc.
5. Engagement in multilateral forums (BRICS, SCO, G20) supports a multipolar order aligned with strategic autonomy.
6. Strategic autonomy reinforces India’s role as a key global player capable of pragmatic diplomacy with all major powers.

2. Examine the role of international organisations like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in promoting a multipolar global order.

1. BRICS encourages cooperation among emerging economies, challenging Western-dominated global governance.
2. SCO enhances regional security, economic collaboration, and counterterrorism among member states including India and Russia.
3. Both platforms enable coordination on global issues like Ukraine, economic development, and reform of international institutions.
4. They provide India and Russia a forum to advocate for a just, multipolar world order beyond US/Western influence.
5. Support for reforms such as India’s permanent UN Security Council seat is promoted through these groupings.
6. These organizations facilitate economic integration, political dialogue, and strategic partnerships among diverse powers.

3. Discuss in the light of India’s energy security, how diversification of energy sources impacts its geopolitical alignments and economic growth.

1. Diversification reduces dependence on any single supplier, enhancing energy security and economic stability.
2. India imports Russian oil despite Western sanctions, reflecting pragmatic balancing of energy needs and geopolitics.
3. Expansion in nuclear energy (e.g., Kudankulam reactors) supports clean energy goals and reduces fossil fuel reliance.
4. Energy ties with Russia strengthen bilateral relations and provide leverage in global energy markets.
5. Efforts to diversify energy sources align with India’s economic growth by ensuring steady, affordable supplies.
6. Energy diversification shapes India’s foreign policy, balancing relations with Russia, Middle East, US, and others.

4. Critically discuss the challenges and opportunities of bilateral labour mobility agreements in strengthening international relations and economic cooperation.

1. Agreements facilitate legal migration, protecting rights and dignity of workers abroad, reducing exploitation risks.
2. They address labor shortages in host countries (e.g., Russia) while providing employment and remittances to sending countries.
3. Mobility pacts enhance people-to-people ties, encouraging cultural exchange and deeper bilateral understanding.
4. Challenges include ensuring effective implementation, social integration, and preventing brain drain in source countries.
5. Such agreements can diversify economic cooperation beyond trade and defense, expanding into human capital development.
6. They require robust legal frameworks and cooperation to manage migration flows and protect migrant workers’ welfare.