New Delhi | December 5, 2025 :
India is prioritizing the reduction of its growing trade imbalance with Russia as President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi for high-level talks. Confident in expanding its export footprint, the Indian government aims to secure new market access for pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and agricultural products, sectors that hold strong potential in the Russian market.
🇷🇺 Putin’s Visit: Focus on Trade Balance, Technology Transfer, and ‘No Limits Partnership’
According to official sources, India will emphasize reducing the trade deficit and pursuing agreements that enhance market reach for Indian products. President Putin’s recent proposal for a “no limits partnership” is expected to strengthen India’s Make in India program, particularly in defense manufacturing, with deeper technology transfer across several strategic sectors.
📊 A Deep Trade Gap
In 2024, bilateral trade between India and Russia reached $63.6 billion, but India’s exports accounted for only $5.6 billion — a major imbalance. Much of the surge in trade volume was driven by India’s large-scale imports of discounted Russian crude oil.
Officials believe that decisions expected during Putin’s visit could significantly improve the balance of trade and open strong export opportunities for India.
🇺🇸 India’s Response to U.S. Tariffs
India had earlier diversified export markets to cushion the impact of the 50% tariff imposed by the United States on certain Indian goods due to increased imports of Russian oil. By expanding exports to European and Arab markets, India minimized Washington’s tariff impact.
Analysts say Russia’s inclusion as an expanded export destination will further dilute the effects of U.S. trade measures.
🌍 A Geopolitical Message to the West
Strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney says the significance of Putin’s visit lies not just in agreements but in its geopolitical messaging. According to him, India has made it clear that it rejects the Western binary of “either with us or against us,” choosing instead its own path of strategic autonomy.
Chellaney emphasizes that both India and Russia need each other. Russia aims to show that despite the pressures emerging from the Ukraine war, it is not dependent solely on China. India, on the other hand, signals that shifting global power equations will not affect its independent foreign policy choices.
🇺🇸🇷🇺 Responding to Trump’s Double Standards
Former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal believes no major defense announcement should be expected publicly, as military cooperation between the two nations continues discreetly in the background.
He highlights the hypocrisy of Western criticism, saying:
“When U.S. President Trump can roll out the red carpet for Putin in Alaska, why should India feel pressured to hold back from strengthening its own bilateral relationship?”
Chellaney agrees, reiterating that today both countries benefit from the partnership. Russia wants to show that it has reliable options beyond China, while India maintains strategic independence despite Western pressure over the Ukraine conflict.
