The Transformation and Recalibration of India-Russia Relations

Abstract

This paper examines the transformation of India-Russia relations in the context of the fluid geopolitical dynamics that have followed Russia's war against Ukraine. While India was rather cautious in its political and defense contacts with Moscow in the first two years of the Russia-Ukraine war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in July 2024 clearly opened a new chapter in the relationship. There are still a number of unresolved bottlenecks hindering the progress of bilateral cooperation, such as an uneven trade balance, payment issues, precarious logistics, and underdeveloped business ties. However, India-Russia relations have emerged from a period of uncertainty to maintain potential for growth in energy, defense, and trade cooperation.