Russian President Vladimir Putin's first state visit to India since the 2022 Ukraine war has stirred diplomatic tensions. Western envoys in India criticized Russia for undermining European peace, prompting a sharp response from the Russian ambassador. The visit underscores India's challenges in balancing ties with Russia, the US, and the EU.
Putin's visit has highlighted strains in India-Russia relations amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Heads of the French, German, and British diplomatic missions in India issued a strong rebuke against Russia, accusing it of sabotaging peace efforts in Europe. In response, the Russian ambassador defended the war's origins and faulted Europe for not taking peace seriously.
India faces significant difficulties in maintaining equilibrium between its partnerships with the US, the EU, and Russia. Four years after the invasion, Russia remains isolated economically, with its key export of energy facing global substitutes. Deeply intertwined with the world economy, Russia is vulnerable to sanctions, even from allies like China, which paused payment settlements over secondary sanction fears. Much of Russia-China trade now occurs through informal channels, forcing Moscow to sell goods and energy at steep discounts.
The opinion piece argues that expecting India to shoulder the burden of bilateral ties is unjust. Peace in Ukraine requires fair terms; unfair agreements could further isolate Russia and hinder its global reintegration. With India deepening ties to the US-led West, both nations risk Western pressure, necessitating balanced economic relations proportional to Russia's Western links.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized India's Quad membership and US ties. Yet, if Moscow seeks India's restraint on its China relations, it should extend similar understanding to India's US partnership. This alignment stems from China's hostility toward India, not anti-Russian intent. Russia remains vital to India, but Moscow must alleviate the uneven load on New Delhi to sustain the relationship.
The writer, Amit Kumar from Takshashila Institution's Indo-Pacific Studies programme, emphasizes mutual responsibility.