India-Russia Relations: A Decade Of Growth Under PM Modi And President Putin

A decade of bonhomie, cemented with cooperation and mutual understanding, has seen the traditional international friendship between Moscow and New Delhi take a leap forward under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin. The relationship between India and Russia, characterized by unwavering support, has flourished even amidst global controversies. When the world cornered Russia over the Ukraine invasion, India condemned the war but continued to buy Russian oil, prioritizing its own economic interests despite worldwide criticism. Over the past decade, Modi and Putin have met 16 times, reflecting a robust partnership. Trade between the two nations surged from over $10,110 million in 2019-20 to more than $65,692 million in the last fiscal year, with Russia's share in India's crude imports rising significantly. Modi's first visit as Prime Minister to St. Petersburg in 2017, and his participation in the 5th Eastern Economic Forum in 2019, marked milestones in this partnership. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, both leaders have continued to strengthen their 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.' Modi's recent visit to Russia, his first in his third term, underscores the enduring bond and the promise of deeper ties in the future.