India–Russia Relations 2025: Modi–Putin Meeting at SCO and the Future of Energy, Defence & Trade

Pm Modi and President Putin In SCO Summit 2025

The India–Russia relationship took center stage again at the SCO Summit 2025, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin held extensive talks. From cheap Russian oil imports to defence cooperation and bilateral trade growth, the partnership is evolving in new directions. But how strong is the India–Russia strategic partnership in 2025?

🇮🇳🤝🇷🇺 A Historic Bond in a Changing World

The India–Russia partnership was elevated to a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in 2010. Over the decades, Moscow has been New Delhi’s trusted partner in defence and energy.

Today, the relationship is adapting to global realities: Western sanctions on Russia, India’s growing ties with the US, and Russia’s deepening dependence on China. The Modi–Putin meeting reflects both trust and pragmatism.

⚡ Energy: India’s Dependence on Russian Oil

Russian oil imports to India have surged, making Moscow India’s largest crude supplier in 2024–25.

Russia now accounts for more than 35% of India’s oil imports, offered at discounted prices.

Cooperation in nuclear energy projects like Kudankulam remains steady.

Key challenge: Western sanctions complicate rupee–ruble payments.

🛡️ Defence: Old Dependence, New Challenges

Nearly 70% of India’s defence equipment originates from Russia, including Sukhoi-30 jets, T-90 tanks, and S-400 missile systems.

The Ukraine war has disrupted supply chains, raising concerns over spare parts and timely deliveries.

India is diversifying defence imports with the US, France, and Israel, but Russia remains a key defence partner.

Trade: Growing But Uneven

India–Russia trade in 2024–25 crossed $65 billion, mostly due to oil and fertilizer imports.

India’s exports (pharma, IT, engineering goods) remain small compared to imports.

Both countries are working on local currency trade settlements to reduce dollar dependence.

🌍 Strategic Outlook: Pragmatism Over Ideology

India values Russia for energy security, defence technology, and balancing China.

Russia sees India as a stable partner in Asia, crucial for its multipolar vision.

Key differences exist on China, Indo-Pacific, and Ukraine war, but both sides prefer managing these differences.

📝 Conclusion

The Modi–Putin meeting at SCO 2025 showed that the India–Russia partnership remains robust, though it is becoming more transactional than ideological.

In 2025, ties are strong but evolving:

Energy: Russian oil remains critical for India.

Defence: Dependence continues despite diversification.

Trade: Growing volumes, but imbalance persists.

➡️ India–Russia relations in 2025 are not about nostalgia but necessity a partnership shaped by hard interests and shifting geopolitics.