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Putin India Visit News: Putin’s visit to India has created a global stir. America and European countries are watching this with concern. Experts say that this meeting is a sign of India’s strategic independence amidst western pressure on Russia. America will keep a special eye on defense and energy agreements.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reaching India at around 4:30 pm on Tuesday and Delhi is fully prepared to welcome him. This two-day tour is considered very important in many ways. Especially because this is Putin’s first visit to India after the start of the Ukraine war. The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin is in the eyes of not only India and Russia but the entire world including America and China. America has long wanted India to distance itself from Russia, especially in matters of energy and trade. Recently, the Trump administration’s tariff policy has further increased this pressure. America is putting pressure on India to reduce its dependence on Russia. But India has made it clear that it will take decisions only on the basis of its interests. In such a situation, this visit is an important sign that India will maintain its strategic independence.
What do experts say about Putin’s visit?
Defense cooperation between India and Russia is decades old and very strong. This is the reason why there remains concern in western countries. After the Ukraine war, Britain, France and Germany have openly opposed Russia and in such an environment the Modi-Putin meeting has become a matter of concern for the western countries. American security experts say that this visit is ‘uncomfortable’ for Washington. Lisa Curtis, director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program, told IANS that ‘America will not find this meeting helpful, because it is taking place at a time when Putin is intensifying his war in Ukraine and threatening Europe with drone and cyber attacks.’ Curtis clearly said that India will not come under any political pressure and this is a diplomatic message to America. India will not bow down to American pressure. Nor will New Delhi give up its strategic independence.
What things will America keep an eye on?
According to Tanvi Madan of Brookings Institution, America will keep a close eye on two aspects of this visit. First, what level of ceremonial respect does India give to Putin? Second, what are the final outcomes related to defense and energy? According to Madan, America will also see at what level India continues to import oil from Russia. The data will be closely monitored.
China alert due to Putin’s visit to India
On the other hand, China is also cautious about this meeting. Relations between China and Russia are already strong and in such a situation, Putin’s visit to India is being considered a big sign in the strategic picture of Asia. Chinese and American media are continuously covering this meeting. Many analysts believe that this meeting is not just a bilateral agenda but part of a larger geopolitical message. India is maintaining its strategic autonomy amid Western pressure and this visit is another example of that policy. Today, the world’s eyes will be on what decisions are taken in the meeting between Modi and Putin on war, energy, trade and security and what is America’s reaction.
