Putin set for December India visit amid U.S. trade pressure

NEW YORK : The announcement signals Moscow’s determination to strengthen its “particularly privileged strategic partnership” with New Delhi despite intensifying U.S. pressure over Russian oil trade.

Lavrov’s remarks come against the backdrop of Washington’s demand that India reduce its purchases of Russian crude in exchange for favorable trade terms. The Trump administration has already imposed sweeping 50% tariffs on Indian goods, half of them specifically targeting imports linked to Russian oil.

At the UNGA, Lavrov praised India’s “self-respect” in pursuing energy autonomy, likening its independent policy to Turkey’s stance. “India is perfectly capable of making its own decisions in its trade relations with Russia,” he said, noting that in his regular conversations with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, he never questions New Delhi’s oil trade choices. He emphasized that bilateral economic ties are “not under threat” despite sanctions.

The visit follows Putin’s acceptance of an invitation extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin earlier this month. The two leaders are expected to review an expansive agenda covering trade, military and technical cooperation, finance, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and coordination in forums such as SCO and BRICS.

India-Russia relations are enjoying record momentum. Bilateral trade surged to $68.7 billion in FY 2024-25, nearly six times pre-pandemic levels, fueled by India’s rising oil imports from Russia, which now supplies about 40% of India’s crude. These purchases have saved New Delhi an estimated $13 billion in energy costs.

Beyond economics, Moscow reiterated its support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, with Lavrov stating Russia also backs Brazil’s application to ensure greater representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.