https://sputniknews.in/20251204/modi-putin-summit-highlight-indias-refusal-to-bend-to-western-policy---expert-10157070.html
Modi-Putin Summit Highlight India’s Refusal to Bend to Western Policy: Expert
Modi-Putin Summit Highlight India’s Refusal to Bend to Western Policy: Expert
Sputnik India
President Vladimir Putin’s December 4–5 state visit to India is a strong reaffirmation of New Delhi’s independent foreign policy, an expert told Sputnik India. 04.12.2025, Sputnik India
2025-12-04T09:15+0530
2025-12-04T09:15+0530
2025-12-04T10:50+0530
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vladimir putin
narendra modi
atal bihari vajpayee
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The visit underscores the enduring depth of the India–Russia partnership, former Prime Ministerial Adviser Sudhindra Kulkarni has said, calling the timing of the summit "strategically significant amid global pressure. President Putin arrives to co-chair the India–Russia Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a meeting closely watched in global capitals as Western sanctions on Moscow intensify.Kulkarni, who served under late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, recalled that the foundations of today’s partnership were laid in 2000 when ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during Putin’s maiden visit.This visit shows that India continues to have an independent foreign policy, the former advisor said, adding that PM Modi has not been deterred by pressures from the West, and that attempts to pull India away from BRICS and the SCO have not succeeded.The current geopolitical environment makes Putin’s visit particularly important, pointing out that Russia remains under Western sanctions and that pressure has been exerted on India to dilute its ties with Moscow, he said.Kulkarni described Russia as one of India’s most reliable long-term partners, stressing that the relationship extends far beyond economic cooperation. According to him, Moscow has stood by India through its most difficult phases and continues to play a central role in India’s defence, energy and industrial development."Russia is not just an economic partner; in some ways, it is our closest and strongest international partner," he said, recalling Modi’s public thanks to Putin for helping India avert a food, fuel and fertiliser crisis last year.Speaking on recent US sanctions on Russian firms Rosneft and Lukoil—which ship-tracking data suggests could temporarily reduce India–Russia crude flows—Kulkarni said such punitive measures undermine global norms.He argued that India’s long-term energy engagement with Russia will remain intact despite short-term fluctuations. Kulkarni said the upcoming summit is expected to reaffirm the strategic direction of the bilateral partnership and further strengthen cooperation across defence, energy, trade, technology and multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the SCO.
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vladimir putin, narendra modi, atal bihari vajpayee, india, russia, moscow, brics, shanghai cooperation organisation (sco), rosneft
vladimir putin, narendra modi, atal bihari vajpayee, india, russia, moscow, brics, shanghai cooperation organisation (sco), rosneft
Modi-Putin Summit Highlight India’s Refusal to Bend to Western Policy: Expert
09:15 04.12.2025 (Updated: 10:50 04.12.2025) President Vladimir Putin’s December 4–5 state visit to India is a strong reaffirmation of New Delhi’s independent foreign policy, an expert told Sputnik India.
The visit underscores the enduring depth of the India–Russia partnership, former Prime Ministerial Adviser Sudhindra Kulkarni has said, calling the timing of the summit "strategically significant amid global pressure. President Putin arrives to co-chair the India–Russia Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a meeting closely watched in global capitals as Western sanctions on Moscow intensify.
Kulkarni, who served under late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, recalled that the foundations of today’s partnership were laid in 2000 when ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during Putin’s maiden visit.
This visit shows that India continues to have an independent foreign policy, the former advisor said, adding that PM Modi has not been deterred by pressures from the West, and that attempts to pull India away from BRICS and the SCO have not succeeded.
"Narendra Modi, then Gujarat Chief Minister, was part of Vajpayee’s delegation. That is when Modi first met Putin, and for 25 years since, the relationship has only strengthened," Kulkarni noted.
The current geopolitical environment makes Putin’s visit particularly important, pointing out that Russia remains under Western sanctions and that pressure has been exerted on India to dilute its ties with Moscow, he said.
“The same power (the US) that is trying to pull India away from Russia is also trying to pull India away from China,” he said. "(But) their efforts have not had any tangible result."
Kulkarni described Russia as one of India’s most reliable long-term partners, stressing that the relationship extends far beyond economic cooperation. According to him, Moscow has stood by India through its most difficult phases and continues to play a central role in India’s defence, energy and industrial development.
"Russia is not just an economic partner; in some ways, it is our closest and strongest international partner," he said, recalling Modi’s public thanks to Putin for helping India avert a food, fuel and fertiliser crisis last year.
Speaking on recent US sanctions on Russian firms Rosneft and Lukoil—which ship-tracking data suggests could temporarily reduce India–Russia crude flows—Kulkarni said such punitive measures undermine global norms.
"Countries that bully others in the international community are actually sabotaging the rules of international relations. They talk about a rule-based international order, but they are the first ones to break these rules, be it in tariffs, sanctions, or forcing India not to buy oil from Russia," Kulkarni underscored.
He argued that India’s long-term energy engagement with Russia will remain intact despite short-term fluctuations.
"India refines Russian crude not only for domestic consumption but also for export to other markets, including Europe. The sanctions may cause some temporary ripples, but they will not change the depth or continuity of India–Russia relations," he stressed.
Kulkarni said the upcoming summit is expected to reaffirm the strategic direction of the bilateral partnership and further strengthen cooperation across defence, energy, trade, technology and multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the SCO.
