Oil, Defence and Geopolitics: Why Putin is Visiting Modi in Delhi

Introduction

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant moment in the evolving India-Russia relationship. This visit comes at a time when global alliances are shifting, regional tensions are rising, and economic interests are undergoing realignment. For both countries, this discussion is not ceremonial but strategic, designed to secure long-term interests in trade, energy, technology and global positioning.

India and Russia have shared a long-standing partnership rooted in defence and energy, but the context today is different. With Western sanctions altering Russia’s economic landscape and India emerging as a rising regional power, both nations see this meeting as a step towards strengthening mutual reliance.

Oil trade and energy security

One of the most important points of discussion is expected to be oil. Since the Ukraine war, India has become one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude. Russia, facing restricted access to Western markets, has benefited significantly from India’s increasing import volumes.

In this visit, both sides may explore options such as long-term crude supply contracts, preferential pricing, and a settlement mechanism beyond dollar dependence. A stronger oil agreement will allow India to secure affordable energy for the coming decade while Russia gains consistent market access during global sanctions.

Defence partnership: From buyer to co-producer

India’s military hardware has historically depended heavily on Russian-origin systems. Fighter aircraft, missiles, tanks and naval systems sourced from Russia form the backbone of Indian defence machinery. However, the approach is gradually shifting from purchase to co-production.

The Delhi meeting is expected to focus on defence technology transfer, joint manufacturing, and integration of research capabilities. Discussions may involve next-generation aircraft systems, naval equipment, missile technologies, and deeper cooperation in space research and artificial intelligence.

India aims to build its own defence strength under Make in India. Russia, in return, seeks to maintain a strong and stable market presence while sharing technology where mutually beneficial.

Expected defence discussion points

Geopolitics and multipolar global balance

Beyond oil and defence, this visit holds geopolitical weight. India today stands positioned not as an aligned power, but as a balanced one. It maintains relations with the West, engages with Russia, and neutralizes regional pressure dynamics. Moscow sees value in India’s unique global positioning, particularly due to China’s rise, tensions in West Asia, and new trade corridors emerging across Eurasia.

The leaders may discuss BRICS expansion, regional currency frameworks, Indo-Pacific stability, and long-term strategies to reduce dependence on Western-dominated institutions. India’s growing influence in global forums makes this engagement crucial for Russia’s long-term foreign policy.

Possible outcomes of the meeting

The meeting may result in long-term agreements or frameworks in the following areas:

• Expanded oil supply arrangements with pricing advantages
• Strengthened defence co-production and technology transfer
• Wider acceptance of rupee-ruble or alternative trade settlement
• Coordinated diplomatic positions in global platforms such as BRICS, SCO and G20

Even if not announced publicly in full, the impact of this visit is likely to reflect in policy, trade and defence activities over the coming months.

Conclusion

Putin’s visit to Delhi is more than a bilateral meeting. It is a negotiation of emerging geopolitics and a decision-making moment for the future of energy security, defence infrastructure and international diplomacy. India continues to navigate global pressure with strategic independence, and Russia recognises India as a central player in shaping the multipolar world.