Page 5 - The Indian EYE 121225

COVER STORY DECEMBER 12, 2025 | The Indian Eye 5

bitions. The Road Ahead
In sectors like pharmaceuticals,
EVs, textiles, ceramics, electronics, et the timing of Putin’s New
and advanced mobility solutions, Delhi visit carries an addition-
Modi pointed to vast scope for joint Yal layer of geopolitical signifi-
manufacturing under the Make in In- cance: it comes as India’s relationship
dia framework. Putin reciprocated by with the United States, particularly
saying Russian companies were ready under President Donald Trump, en-
to increase purchases from India and ters a more complicated phase. While
expand investments in industrial pro- the India–US partnership has ex-
duction within India. panded in areas such as defence, tech-
In defense and space — once the nology and Indo-Pacific cooperation,
dominant pillars of the partnership Trump’s second term has introduced
— India has opened doors to private sharp frictions — from aggressive
participation, creating opportunities trade demands and visa restrictions
for joint manufacturing, especially in to unpredictable tariff threats and
high-tech areas. public pressure on India over issues
Modi also announced coopera- ranging from market access to geo-
tion on training Indian seafarers to political alignment. Washington’s
navigate polar waters, opening av- transactional approach has, at times,
enues in Arctic logistics — a future clashed with India’s strategic auton-
trade route of enormous geopolitical omy, forcing New Delhi to assert its
significance. independent choices more firmly.
A central theme was connectiv- Against this backdrop, Putin’s
ity. Both leaders expressed urgency Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they warm reception in New Delhi serves
in operationalizing the Internation- arrive to participate in the 23rd India-Russia annual summit at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi as a reminder that India will not be
al North–South Transport Corridor on Friday (DPR PMO/ANI Photo) pushed into exclusive alignments or
(INSTC) — linking Russia and India zero-sum choices. Russia remains a
through Iran and Central Asia — and critical pillar of India’s multi-vector
accelerating the Chennai–Vladivo- in countering radical networks. peting strategic blocs. Supply chains foreign policy, and the symbolism of
stok maritime corridor. These routes Putin used part of his address to are being rewritten. Energy markets Modi personally receiving Putin —
promise faster, cheaper, and geopolit- highlight humanitarian and cultural are being reshaped by sanctions and even as the U.S. signals discomfort
ically safer pathways for trade, reduc- exchanges, emphasizing youth en- realignments. The Global South is as- with India’s continued engagement
ing exposure to chokepoints dominat- gagement, academic partnerships, serting its voice. with Moscow — was unmistakable.
ed by rival powers. and the long-standing fascination In- In this shifting order, India needs The visit underlined that India’s exter-
Modi also floated the concept of dians and Russians have had for each a diversified set of partners, energy se- nal partnerships will be shaped not by
virtual trade corridors, using digital other’s traditions. This people-driven curity, access to critical technologies, pressure from any single capital, but
platforms to streamline customs, lo- goodwill continues to cushion the re- strong military capabilities, and room by its own long-term interests. In that
gistics, and regulatory processes — a lationship from geopolitical shocks. for diplomatic maneuverability. sense, Putin’s presence in New Delhi
step toward modernizing India–Rus- Modi gifting Putin a copy of the Russia, meanwhile, needs stable was not just a bilateral moment; it was
sia commerce for the digital age. Bhagavad Gita — and the visibly partners, fast-growing markets, and a strategic signal that India intends
A Partnership That Defies warm personal rapport — reinforced geopolitical allies that do not treat it to navigate great-power rivalry on its
Pressure the symbolism of a relationship with as a pariah. own terms, maintaining balanced rela-
deep civilizational roots. The India–Russia relationship — tions with Washington while preserv-
espite criticism from Western Putin’s visit comes at an inflection built on history but rapidly adapting to ing its historic, high-value partnership
capitals over India’s contin- point in global politics. The U.S., Eu- new realities — gives both sides stra- with Moscow.
Dued engagement with Russia rope, and China are locked in com- tegic depth. As Putin prepares to depart New
after the Ukraine conflict, New Delhi Delhi after attending the India–Rus-
has held firm. Modi reiterated during sia Business Forum and launching RT
the summit that India “is not neu- in India, both sides appear aligned on
tral — India is on the side of peace.” a more ambitious agenda for the next
India supports diplomacy, de-escala- decade. The Economic Cooperation
tion, and negotiation, but has refused Programme to 2030, progress on the
to sever economic or strategic ties Eurasian FTA, expanded energy ties,
with Moscow. new industrial corridors, Arctic co-
This balancing act reflects India’s operation, and deeper engagement
view that global stability cannot be in manufacturing all point toward a
restored by isolating major powers. transformed partnership.
For Russia, India serves as a crucial Modi summed up the future of the
non-Western partner providing eco- relationship with characteristic clarity:
nomic opportunity and geopolitical “Our friendship will give us the strength
legitimacy. to face global challenges — and this
Modi’s comments on terrorism trust will enrich our shared future.”
— referencing attacks from Pahalgam In essence, the visit reaffirms an
to the Crocus City Hall tragedy — unmistakable reality: for all the shifts
showed another area of convergence: Russian President Vladimir Putin pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, in New Delhi on in global power, India–Russia rela-
both countries see themselves as vic- Friday. MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh is also seen (ANI Photo/Naveen Sharma) tions are not relics of the past but stra-
tims of terrorism and share an interest tegic assets for the future.

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