As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its fourth year, the global geopolitical landscape is witnessing profound and unpredictable shifts. The prolonged war has not only redefined regional security paradigms but also forced countries to re-evaluate long-standing alliances and partnerships. Amidst this evolving global order, India and Russia have embarked on a strategic recalibration of their bilateral relations, seeking to identify and strengthen areas of convergence that extend well beyond the contours of the Ukraine crisis. This recalibration is neither abrupt nor reactive, but a pragmatic response to changing global dynamics and mutual national interests. Despite being under considerable international pressure, particularly from Western powers, India has maintained its strategic autonomy and chosen a path of diplomatic balance. This article explores the current trajectory of India-Russia relations in this complex environment, examining India’s nuanced neutrality on Ukraine, the durability of bilateral cooperation, the significance of Modi-Putin diplomacy, and New Delhi’s aspirations to contribute to global peace efforts through dialogue and mediation.
Current Scenario of India-Russia Relations Amidst the Ukraine Conflict
Despite the protracted conflict in Ukraine, India and Russia have managed to sustain and even deepen their bilateral partnership. One of the most visible indicators of this resilience is the sharp surge in bilateral trade, which grew from approximately $12 billion before the war to an impressive $65 billion in 2023. This dramatic rise has positioned India as Russia’s second-largest trading partner globally. A key driver of this surge has been India’s increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil, which have grown from just 2% of India’s total oil imports before the war to nearly 40% today. This shift reflects India’s strategic pursuit of energy security and economic pragmatism.
Beyond the energy sector, the relationship has broadened to include enhanced cooperation in defence, nuclear energy, and emerging technologies. Talks are currently underway to co-develop a more advanced variant of the BrahMos missile, demonstrating deepening defence ties. Furthermore, joint ventures in nuclear energy and cybersecurity are being actively explored, highlighting the strategic nature of the partnership.
India’s Non-Aligned Yet Pragmatic Approach
India’s foreign policy has traditionally been anchored in non-alignment, a principle it continues to uphold amidst the Ukraine conflict. While refraining from condemning Russia outright, India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis. This stance is informed by a pragmatic assessment of national interests, including energy security and defence needs. India’s increased oil imports from Russia have not only ensured energy security but also resulted in significant economic savings. Between April 2023 and March 2024, India reportedly saved around $7.9 billion by purchasing discounted Russian oil. Moreover, India’s defence inventory remains heavily reliant on Russian equipment, necessitating the maintenance of strong ties to ensure operational readiness.
Resilience of Bilateral Ties Amidst International Pressures
Despite facing considerable pressure from Western nations to distance itself from Russia due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, India has steadfastly maintained its bilateral relationship with Moscow. This resilience is evident in the continued high-level engagements and strategic collaborations between the two countries. In May 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India, signalling a commitment to deepening ties. Preparations for this visit are underway, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expected to visit India in June to finalise the agenda for the annual India-Russia summit. This diplomatic engagement underscores the continued strategic partnership between India and Russia.
Furthermore, Russia has expressed solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism. Following the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the attack, describing it as a “brutal crime” with no justification, and emphasised that the perpetrators would face deserved punishment. Additionally, on May 23, 2025, during a meeting between an Indian all-party delegation and senior members of the Russian Federation Council, Russia reaffirmed its support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism, particularly focusing on dismantling transnational terror networks.
These developments highlight the enduring nature of the India-Russia partnership, characterised by mutual respect and cooperation on critical global issues. Despite external pressures, both nations continue to engage in meaningful dialogues and collaborative efforts, reinforcing their longstanding strategic alliance.
Modi-Putin Diplomacy: Fostering Strategic Convergence
The personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin has been pivotal in steering the India-Russia bilateral relationship, especially amidst the complexities introduced by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Their sustained high-level engagements have not only reinforced traditional ties but have also paved the way for expansive cooperation across various sectors. During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Moscow in July 2024, both leaders set an ambitious target to elevate bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, a significant increase from the $65.7 billion recorded in 2023-24. This surge is largely attributed to India’s increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil, which have been instrumental in ensuring energy security and controlling inflation in India. President Putin acknowledged India’s efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the mutual respect and understanding that underpin their relationship.
A landmark development in enhancing connectivity and trade between the two nations is the operationalisation of the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC). This sea route, covering approximately 5,600 nautical miles, significantly reduces cargo transport time between Indian and Russian ports by up to 16 days. Key commodities such as crude oil, liquefied natural gas, fertilisers, machine parts, and textiles have already started flowing through this corridor, underscoring its strategic importance in bolstering economic integration and resilience in global supply chains.
Furthermore, both nations have agreed to explore the potential of the Northern Sea Route and the International North-South Transport Corridor, aiming to diversify and secure trade routes. These initiatives reflect a shared vision of enhancing cooperation on transport and connectivity, thereby fostering economic growth and stability in the region.
The Modi-Putin diplomatic engagements have also emphasised the importance of diversifying trade relations beyond traditional sectors. Discussions have included potential collaborations in emerging fields such as digital technologies, cybersecurity, and renewable energy, aligning with the economic priorities of both countries. The personal rapport between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape. Their collaborative efforts have not only strengthened the India-Russia bilateral relationship but have also laid the groundwork for a more diversified and resilient partnership, poised to adapt to the evolving global order.
India’s Role in Mediating Peace
India has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, leveraging its unique diplomatic standing. In June 2024, Indian diplomat Pavan Kapoor attended the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, reflecting India’s willingness to engage in dialogue. Although India refrained from signing the joint communiqué, its participation signalled a commitment to facilitating peace. Moreover, India’s balanced approach has been recognised globally. Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott highlighted India’s potential role in peacekeeping efforts, emphasising its longstanding relationship with Russia and its stature as a nuclear power.
Conclusion
India’s strategic recalibration of its relationship with Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict reveals a deeply pragmatic and layered foreign policy approach, one that skillfully balances realpolitik with principled neutrality. Rather than aligning with any ideological camp, India has chosen to uphold its doctrine of strategic autonomy, recalibrating old partnerships without compromising its global aspirations or values. This balancing act is not without its critics, especially from Western quarters, but it demonstrates India’s growing confidence as a sovereign actor in a complex multipolar world. By preserving robust ties with Russia, especially in areas like energy, defence, and connectivity, while simultaneously expanding strategic partnerships with the United States, the European Union, and East Asian powers, India is effectively positioning itself as a global pivot state. Its refusal to endorse unilateral sanctions, continued purchase of Russian oil, and insistence on diplomatic resolution reflect a carefully curated posture that safeguards its national interest without undermining its credibility as a responsible international actor. What makes India’s approach particularly compelling is its potential role as a bridge between adversarial blocs. Unlike China’s assertive alignment with Moscow or Europe’s outright condemnation of Russia, India offers a rare diplomatic space for dialogue. New Delhi’s participation in multilateral forums such as the G20, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation further amplifies its ability to influence outcomes across geopolitical fault lines.
From an analytical standpoint, this moment represents not just a recalibration of India-Russia ties but also a broader assertion of India’s emerging role as a rule-shaper rather than a rule-taker. The ability to engage all sides without alienating any is not merely diplomatic hedging; it is strategic agency in action. As the global order fragments and new alignments crystallise, India’s nuanced diplomacy with Russia may serve as a template for middle powers seeking to maintain sovereignty, stability, and strategic relevance in an increasingly polarised world.
References
1. Economic Times. India Russia begin talks on advanced Brahmos missile production. https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/india-russia-begin-talks-on-advanced-brahmos-missile-production/articleshow/121384094.cms?utm_source
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