India-Russia Partnership: Beyond Energy, Towards a Multipolar World
A $100 billion trade relationship by 2030 isn’t the most remarkable takeaway from Vladimir Putin’s December 2025 visit to New Delhi. The real story is the deepening strategic alignment between India and Russia, a partnership increasingly vital in a world fracturing along geopolitical lines – and one that’s actively defying pressure from Washington.
The ‘Dhruva Star’ and a Steadfast Alliance
Prime Minister Modi’s description of the India-Russia friendship as a “dhruva star” – a guiding star – wasn’t mere diplomatic rhetoric. It reflects a relationship built on decades of consistent cooperation, even through periods of significant global upheaval. As Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized, this isn’t a transactional partnership; it’s a fundamental constant in India’s foreign policy. This consistency is particularly noteworthy given the recent imposition of U.S. tariffs on Indian purchases of Russian energy, a clear attempt to influence India’s strategic choices.
Navigating Geopolitical Pressure
The timing of Putin’s visit, following the U.S. tariffs, underscores India’s commitment to an independent foreign policy. While India continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict – a position reiterated by Modi – it simultaneously prioritizes its own energy security and economic interests. This balancing act is becoming increasingly common as nations reassess their allegiances in a shifting global order. The veiled criticism from Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev regarding attempts to disrupt U.S.-Russia negotiations through media influence highlights the sensitivity surrounding this dynamic.
Energy Security and Nuclear Collaboration: The Cornerstone of Cooperation
Energy security remains a central pillar of the India-Russia partnership. Beyond oil and gas, the two nations are expanding cooperation into nuclear energy, with Russia offering collaboration on small modular reactors alongside the existing Kudankulam nuclear power plant – currently India’s largest. This isn’t just about meeting India’s growing energy demands; it’s about diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on any single supplier. The Chennai-Vladivostok transport corridor, a joint project, further strengthens this strategic alignment by providing an alternative trade route, bypassing potential chokepoints.
Beyond Fossil Fuels: A Clean Energy Future
The focus on civil nuclear energy demonstrates a shared commitment to clean energy priorities. Russia’s willingness to share technology in this area is a significant boost to India’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. This collaboration extends to petrochemical technologies and upstream oilfield services, creating a comprehensive energy partnership that spans the entire value chain. Investors on both sides have acknowledged challenges, and the commitment to resolving these issues signals a long-term vision for sustained cooperation.
Trade, Tourism, and a Multipolar Vision
With trade already exceeding $64 billion in 2024-25 and a target of $100 billion by 2030, the commercial aspect of the relationship is flourishing. Discussions surrounding a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, coupled with the development of a new transport corridor connecting Belarus and Russia to the Indian Ocean, point to a deepening economic integration. The easing of visa restrictions – granting 30-day e-tourist visas and group tourist visas on a gratis basis to Russian nationals – will further enhance people-to-people connections.
A Shared Worldview: Challenging the Status Quo
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the India-Russia partnership is a shared worldview. Both nations advocate for a “more just, democratic multipolar world order” and respect for sovereignty. This aligns them against perceived unilateralism and reinforces their commitment to a global system where power is more evenly distributed. The launch of the Indian edition of Russia Today, a state-owned English broadcaster, signifies a new chapter in media collaboration and a commitment to alternative narratives.
Looking Ahead: Implications for a Changing World
The India-Russia partnership isn’t simply a bilateral relationship; it’s a key factor in the evolving global landscape. As the U.S. and China compete for dominance, India’s strategic autonomy and its close ties with Russia provide a crucial counterweight. This dynamic is likely to intensify in the coming years, particularly as the global energy transition accelerates and new geopolitical challenges emerge. The success of the India-Russia partnership will depend on continued commitment to mutual benefit, navigating external pressures, and adapting to a rapidly changing world. What role will other emerging economies play in this evolving geopolitical landscape?
Explore more insights on India-Russia relations at the Council on Foreign Relations.
