By Vijay Darda | 08-06-2026
Putin has untied several knots
Whenever Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks, one can safely assume that there is a larger strategic objective behind his words. Last week, while addressing journalists from global news agencies in Saint Petersburg, his intent was unmistakably clear. By invoking Russia’s relationship with India, he was sending a message not only to the United States but also to Pakistan and China: Moscow has no intention of allowing the warmth and depth of this long-standing partnership to diminish. For India, that is undoubtedly a reassuring signal.
This was not the first occasion the Russian President has underscored the importance of ties with India. At every opportunity, he has spoken highly of the relationship, repeatedly describing India as one of Russia’s most trusted partners. And there is substance behind that assertion. This time, however, Putin went a step further by recalling 1947, when the Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with newly independent India. He noted that since then, Moscow had extended every possible support in helping build and strengthen the new nation. His remarks could be interpreted both as a reminder and as an assurance: A reminder of Russia’s long-standing role in India’s journey and an assurance that Moscow continues to stand firmly by New Delhi. While he stopped short of commenting on the nature of India’s ties with the United States or the broader West, he made one point emphatically clear: Efforts to pressure India into cooling its relationship with Russia would not succeed. Such attempts would neither weaken the warmth of bilateral ties nor alter the direction in which the relationship is headed.
But why did Putin choose to make these remarks now? Two reasons appear particularly significant. The first is that Putin is expected to visit India in September to attend the BRICS Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12-13. It is worth noting that this will be his second visit to India this year. The second reason is the impending trade agreement between India and the United States. Putin is fully aware that Washington would prefer any such arrangement to be structured in a manner that, directly or indirectly, limits Russia’s interests. Naturally, his own preference would be for India to remain a steadfast partner of Russia. India may strengthen its ties with the United States, but Moscow would not want New Delhi to drift away from its traditional friendship with Russia. That explains why, when asked whether growing cooperation between India and the United States was creating difficulties in India-Russia relations, Putin responded with remarkable candour. He said, “I find your question rather strange. Why would you think that? We are pleased that India is developing relations with all countries. It is a great nation, a country of 1.5 billion people and the world’s largest democracy. Naturally, it builds relationships with those nations that it considers important for its own interests. How can that adversely affect Russia?”
This forthright response reveals Putin’s determination to ensure that India-Russia relations remain firmly anchored in goodwill and mutual trust. He understands that India cannot be coerced or pressured into choosing sides. Friendship, however, is another matter; friendship can sustain partnerships where pressure cannot. That is why Putin never misses an opportunity to praise not only Prime Minister Narendra Modi but also the people of India. He is well aware that Russia’s bonds with India run deep, stretching back to the era of Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. I, too, have visited Russia on several occasions and have personally experienced the warmth that characterises this relationship. The two countries share a long history of cultural exchange and Putin appears keen to preserve and strengthen that legacy.
A frequently asked question in recent years has been: Will the growing closeness between Russia and China, coupled with Pakistan’s cordial relationship with China, affect India-Russia relations? Putin addressed this concern as well, in his own distinctive manner. He stated that Russia fully understands the complexities surrounding the border-related issues between India and Pakistan. He further remarked that he does not believe Pakistan is a country that operates entirely under China’s control. At first glance, this assessment may appear difficult to accept, as Pakistan today seems firmly positioned in China’s orbit while also maintaining close engagement with the United States. Yet when Putin makes such observations, it is reasonable to assume that a broader political calculation lies behind them. Putin is a leader known for ‘killing several birds with one stone’. At the same time, it is equally true that India has been an important partner for Russia. During the Ukraine conflict, when sustained efforts were being made to isolate Moscow internationally, India ensured that no strain emerged in its relationship with Russia. New Delhi continued to purchase Russian oil at concessional prices, despite mounting international pressure. The United States was so displeased by this policy that it imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India over its purchases of Russian crude oil. Later, however, not only was this additional tariff withdrawn, but greater flexibility was also extended regarding India’s purchase of Russian oil in the aftermath of the Iran conflict.
Putin understands that India is one of the world’s fastest growing major economies. Bilateral trade between the two countries currently stands at around $67 billion and Putin is keen to increase it to $100 billion. Russia has even proposed cooperation with India on the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet programme. India, however, responded cautiously, indicating that Russia should continue developing the project and that New Delhi might consider joining at a later stage. In other words, Putin has sought to remove obstacles and create opportunities across every area of cooperation with India. That is undoubtedly in India’s interest as well. We should continue to nurture this friendship with Russia. We were friends, we are friends and we should remain friends. In this unreliable world, there must be someone who can be trusted.
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If Russian President Vladimir Putin says India is a trusted partner, it is equally true that Russia remains one of India’s most dependable friends. ‘Salamat rahe dostana hamara!’
