Putin arrives today, Europe messages Delhi: Lean on him to end Ukraine war, Pg3

Key Highlights:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting New Delhi on December 4-5 for the 23rd annual summit between India and Russia, his first visit since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022.
• Several European envoys have urged India to use its influence to persuade Putin to end the Ukraine war, viewing it as a threat to European security.
• India-Russia bilateral trade reached a record high of $68.7 billion in FY 2024-25, with India's imports from Russia (mainly oil) amounting to $63.8 billion.
• Discussions between Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to cover a labor mobility pact, a trade deal with the Eurasian Economic Union, and new defence purchases, including additional S-400 systems.

Detailed Insights:

• European nations are subtly pressuring India to mediate an end to the Ukraine war, highlighting concerns about regional stability and security.
• Despite reducing defence import dependence, Russia still accounts for approximately 60% of India's defence equipment, including the S-400 air defence system.
• India began purchasing discounted oil from Russia after the Ukraine war began, helping to manage domestic fuel prices, but faces potential secondary sanctions from the US and Europe.
• The US and Europe are key sources of technology and capital for India, which is actively pursuing trade deals with both, requiring a delicate balancing act in its foreign policy.
• India is concerned about Russia's growing partnership with China, given ongoing border tensions and strategic challenges posed by Beijing.
• The visit is expected to strengthen the India-Russia strategic partnership, focusing on defence, trade, and economic cooperation, while navigating geopolitical pressures.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Secondary Sanctions: Penalties imposed on entities that engage in transactions with a sanctioned country.
• Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU): An economic union of states located primarily in northern Eurasia.
• Strategic Partnership: A long-term agreement between countries involving political, economic, and security cooperation.