Russia-India Expand Trade, Defense Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held their 23rd annual summit in New Delhi, agreeing to significantly expand and diversify economic and defense ties. They finalized an economic cooperation program until 2030, aiming to boost annual trade to $100 billion, and discussed energy security, civil nuclear cooperation, clean energy, shipbuilding, fertilizers, and labor mobility. India is also pushing for faster delivery of S-400 missile system and upgrades for Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets from Russia. This comes amidst pressure from the United States, which has imposed tariffs and sanctions on India and Russia, respectively, to deter India's purchases of discounted Russian oil. The United States and the European Union are concerned that India's deepening ties with Russia could jeopardize ongoing trade negotiations with India. India, however, is balancing its long-standing partnership with Russia with its strategic relations with the United States and the European Union, emphasizing its non-aligned position and calls for peace in Ukraine.