Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened for high-level talks in New Delhi on Friday, December 5, 2025. The meeting, captured in an official photo opportunity, is strategically focused on reinforcing the longstanding partnership between Moscow and New Delhi.
Navigating Global Geopolitical Pressure
The discussions occur against a backdrop of significant international strain, particularly from the United States and its allies. Washington has consistently pressured nations to distance themselves from Moscow following its military actions in Ukraine. India, however, has maintained a nuanced and independent foreign policy, continuing its strategic engagement with Russia, a key historical partner and major supplier of military hardware and energy resources.
This diplomatic balancing act is a central theme of the summit. Analysts suggest India is walking a tightrope, seeking to preserve its sovereignty in foreign policy decisions while managing its vital relationships with Western nations. The talks are expected to address mechanisms for sustaining and expanding bilateral trade, which has surged in recent years, particularly in the energy sector, as India has become a major purchaser of discounted Russian oil.
Key Agenda: Defence and Economic Cooperation
A primary item on the agenda is the future of defence cooperation. Russia has traditionally been India's largest arms supplier, but deals have faced complications due to Western sanctions affecting payment systems and logistics. The leaders are anticipated to discuss solutions to these transactional hurdles and the potential for joint manufacturing and technology transfers.
On the economic front, enhancing trade in national currencies to circumvent dollar-based sanctions is a likely topic. Both nations have been actively promoting the use of the Indian rupee and the Russian rouble for settlements. Strengthening connectivity through initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor is another area of mutual interest, aimed at boosting trade efficiency between Russia, India, and the Middle East.
Implications for the Global Order
The outcome of this meeting will be closely watched in global capitals. It serves as a barometer for the resilience of traditional alliances and the evolving multipolar world order. For Canada and its allies, the deepening of Russia-India ties presents a complex diplomatic challenge, underscoring the divergent approaches to global security and economic policy among major nations.
The talks in New Delhi reaffirm India's commitment to a multi-aligned foreign policy. While the West seeks to isolate Russia, India's engagement demonstrates a pragmatic approach to national interest, prioritizing energy security, defence modernization, and strategic autonomy. The discussions on December 5th are a significant step in defining how this pivotal relationship will adapt to the new realities of 21st-century geopolitics.
