India’s Strategic Calculus: Why the Russian President Remains Crucial to New Delhi

New Delhi:As global geopolitics undergoes a rapid realignment, India continues to place strong emphasis on its long-standing partnership with Russia an equation significantly shaped by the central role of the Russian President. In a highly centralised political system like Russia’s, the President’s decisions directly impact defence supplies, energy cooperation, and diplomatic coordination with India.

For New Delhi, this relationship remains pivotal at a time when tensions with China are high, Western alliances are unpredictable, and the global energy market is volatile.

Defence: The Cornerstone of the Relationship

India’s decades-old reliance on Russian defence systems remains the strongest pillar of the partnership. Nearly 60–70% of India’s military inventory is of Russian origin, making continued presidential-level support indispensable for spare parts, upgrades, and future purchases. Big-ticket projects such as the S-400 missile system, BrahMos development, T-90 tank modernization, and Su-30 MKI upgrades require direct political clearance from Moscow.

Analysts note that India’s operational readiness especially on its northern and western borders continues to depend on the stability of this defence supply chain.

Energy Security Gains Prominence

Since Western sanctions hit Moscow, Russia has emerged as India’s largest supplier of crude oil, offering substantial discounts and flexible payment options. Decisions around shipping routes, pricing, and settlement mechanisms are overseen at the highest level in Russia, giving the President’s office a central role in sustaining India’s energy cushion.

Beyond oil, cooperation on the Kudankulam nuclear plant, Arctic LNG projects, and potential long-term gas agreements further deepen India’s dependence on Russian strategic direction.

Diplomacy and Geopolitics

Russia has consistently supported India at critical multilateral forums, including the UN Security Council, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Moscow’s backing on Kashmir, counter-terrorism, and India’s bid for permanent UNSC membership remains a valuable diplomatic asset for New Delhi.

Moreover, Russia’s ability to influence Beijing’s strategic decisions adds another layer of importance, especially amid ongoing India–China border tensions.

Economic and Connectivity Prospects

Bilateral trade has surged past USD 50 billion, driven largely by energy. India is also pushing for greater cooperation in pharma, IT, engineering, and agriculture—areas that require policy-level support from the Russian leadership.

Connectivity projects such as the International North–South Transport Corridor and the proposed Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Route further signal India’s intent to deepen economic engagement with Moscow.

A Relationship Shaped by Personal Diplomacy

Given Russia’s centralised governance model, the personal rapport between the Indian Prime Minister and the Russian President continues to shape the trajectory of the relationship. Quick decisions on oil deals, defence deliveries, and diplomatic coordination have frequently followed high-level summits.

In a world marked by shifting alliances and great-power friction, India views the Russian President as a critical figure in safeguarding its defence, energy security, and strategic autonomy.