Modi’s diplomatic visits to Russia have faced criticism, particularly in light of the Russian missile attack that hit a children’s hospital in Kyiv. During his visit to Moscow in July, Modi was photographed embracing Putin, a move that drew further condemnation. Additionally, India has been accused of benefiting economically from Russia’s invasion, as the country has become a major supplier of low-priced crude oil to India. This new economic arrangement has saved India significant amounts of money on fuel, but has also raised concerns about supporting Russia’s war efforts.
The close relationship between India and Russia dates back to the Cold War era, when Russia was a key supplier of arms to India. However, recent events have strained this bond, with Putin acknowledging Modi’s concerns about Russia’s invasion in 2022. The two countries have also clashed over allegations that Indian citizens were deceived into fighting on the frontlines of the conflict. New Delhi has demanded the return of its citizens who were initially recruited for “support jobs” with the Russian military but were later sent into combat. The deaths of at least five Indian fighters in the war have further complicated the relationship between the two countries.
Despite these tensions, India’s reliance on Russian oil remains a significant factor in their economic ties. Cut off from Western markets due to sanctions related to the conflict, Russia has become a crucial supplier of low-cost crude oil to India. This economic arrangement has saved India billions on fuel costs but has also drawn criticism from the West for indirectly supporting Russia’s war efforts. The close economic ties between India and Russia have been shaped by the events of the conflict in Ukraine and have significant implications for the geopolitics of the region.
The close relationship between India and Russia has deep historical roots, with ties dating back to the Cold War era when Russia was a key arms supplier to India. While their relationship has been strained by recent events, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, both countries have sought to maintain diplomatic channels. Modi’s visits to Russia have been met with criticism, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The economic ties between India and Russia, particularly in the energy sector, have been reshaped by the conflict, with Russia becoming a major supplier of low-cost crude oil to India, saving the country significant amounts on fuel.
The deaths of Indian citizens fighting on the frontlines of the conflict in Ukraine have further complicated the relationship between India and Russia. New Delhi has demanded the return of its citizens who were recruited for “support jobs” in the Russian military but were later sent into combat. This incident has fueled tensions between the two countries, with India pushing for the safe return of its citizens and seeking to address the issue of Indian nationals being involved in the conflict. The deaths of Indian fighters in the conflict have highlighted the complexities of the relationship between India and Russia and the challenges they face in navigating their diplomatic and economic ties amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
