NEW DELHI, INDIA – Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening and broadening India-Russia relations beyond the traditional energy and defense sectors. This marks Putin’s first trip to India in four years, underscoring the significance Russia places on its partnership with India amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the West.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed Putin at the airport, greeting him warmly on the red carpet, a rare and symbolic gesture highlighting the countries’ close diplomatic ties. Modi will host Putin for a private dinner Thursday evening before high-level summit talks scheduled for Friday, attended by senior Russian officials and a substantial Russian business delegation.
Expanding trade amid external pressures
India and Russia have set an ambitious target to raise bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, building on the rapid growth in commerce that surged from roughly $13 billion in 2021 to nearly $69 billion in 2024–25. This expansion has been largely fueled by India’s import of Russian energy. However, trade took a dip to $28.25 billion between April and August 2025 due to reduced crude imports following U.S. tariffs on Indian goods and sanctions tied to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
While Washington pressures New Delhi to distance itself from Moscow, India is simultaneously seeking new markets to offset the impact of Trump-era punitive tariffs, including a 50% tariff tied to India’s purchases of Russian oil. Deputy Kremlin Chief of Staff Maxim Oreshkin emphasized Russia’s focus on importing more Indian goods to rebalance trade, noting India currently accounts for less than 2% of Russian imports.
Diversifying exports and untapped opportunities
Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated New Delhi’s intention to diversify its export basket to Russia by increasing shipments of automobiles, electronics, heavy machinery, textiles, and food products. He highlighted Russia’s considerable demand for both industrial and consumer goods, calling for a more balanced and varied trade relationship.
During the visit, Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut expressed interest in boosting imports of Indian shrimp, rice, and tropical fruits, along with food-processing technologies. India, the world’s largest shrimp exporter, currently holds a 20% share of shrimp imports in Russia. With India’s shrimp exports to the U.S. declining due to tariffs, Russia presents a critical alternative market for the industry.
Putin’s visit thus reflects a strategic push by both countries to expand commercial ties amid geopolitical headwinds, signaling strengthened cooperation that goes beyond traditional sectors like energy and defense.