Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India in December, the Kremlin confirmed. The trip highlights India’s close ties with Moscow at a time when US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on Indian goods for continuing to buy Russian oil despite the Ukraine war.
The visit shows India’s balancing act between its traditional partnership with Russia and its growing economic relationship with US.
Putin’s Upcoming Trip
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin will come to India for an official visit at the end of the year. Before that, he will meet PM Narendra Modi in China on Monday during a regional summit. Ushakov added that the leaders will discuss preparations for the December trip.
This will be one of Putin’s rare foreign visits since the Ukraine war began, highlighting India’s importance as a partner for Russia even as Western nations try to isolate Moscow.
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Trump’s Tariffs Increase Pressure
The visit comes after the US decides to place tariffs on Indian goods. Trump said the move was in response to India’s large imports of Russian oil, which the US argues are helping fund Moscow’s war.
The tariffs create fresh pressure on India, which is trying to balance its long-standing partnership with Russia and its growing trade relationship with the U.S.
India’s Stand on Oil
India has defended its decision to keep buying Russian oil. Officials say India turned to Moscow only after European nations diverted their traditional supplies following the Ukraine conflict. For India, Russian oil is a cheaper and reliable option during a time of global energy uncertainty.
Defense and Old Ties
Beyond energy, Russia is one of India’s biggest defense suppliers. The two countries share a relationship that goes back to the Soviet era. For Moscow, India remains a key buyer of both oil and military equipment, which helps keep the Russian economy afloat despite Western sanctions.
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Putin’s Limited Foreign Travel
Putin has avoided many overseas trips since the Ukraine war, partly because the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against him. However, India is not a member of the ICC and has no obligation to act on the warrant. That makes New Delhi a safe destination for Putin to continue diplomacy.
Why the Visit Matters?
Putin’s December visit will be closely followed worldwide. It shows how India is carefully balancing its old friendship with Russia while managing growing pressure from the United States.
The trip will send a clear message that, despite sanctions and tariffs, Russia still has strong allies in Asia.
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