Putin India Visit: At present the world seems to be clearly divided into two axes. On one side is Russian President Vladimir Putin and on the other side is American President Donald Trump. America’s tariff policy and the anti-Russian stance of Western countries have increased global tension.
At the same time, India and China are prominent among the countries that openly support Russia. This support Russia is getting from Asia is troubling the western countries. In this background, Putin’s visit to India has become even more important.
Strategic strength of India and Russia in the eyes of China
China’s official newspaper Global Times wrote that the two leaders will discuss important issues like defense cooperation, energy security, trade expansion, technology and partnership in new emerging capabilities. Besides, the geopolitical situation of Euro Asia and Indo Pacific region will also be considered. According to reports, India and Russia are going to sign 10 government agreements and more than 15 business deals. This visit is taking place at a time when the European Commission is coming forward with tough proposals on the use of Russian funds, hence Putin’s visit to India is being considered as a direct message to the Western countries.
‘India-Russia partnership will not come under external pressure’
Professor Li Haidong of China Foreign Affairs University told Global Times that India-Russia relations are extremely strategic and can withstand any external pressure. He says that this partnership shows that neither India nor Russia is going to bow down to Western pressure. According to Lee, this cooperation shows the world that Russia is still an influential power and Western sanctions have not been able to weaken it. Also, India is not going to come under the pressure of America to buy oil and decides its foreign policy only on the basis of national interests.
Modi does not come under anyone’s pressure.
Global Times quoted Sudheendra Kulkarni, former advisor to the Indian Prime Minister, as saying that this visit reflects the depth and strength of India-Russia relations. At the same time, New York Times mentioned that this is a challenging time for India because America is pressurizing India to stop importing Russian oil and is also warning of sanctions.
On the other hand, Putin has already said that Prime Minister Modi is not a leader who comes under any pressure. He also clarified that India-Russia defense and trade relations are stronger than ever and now more than 90% of transactions are taking place in the national currencies of both the countries.