#india-russia-relations

#india-russia-relations

The rhetoric and optics of the Russian president Vladimir Putin's visit to India last week allude to the strength of the bilateral relationship: Narendra Modi greeted Putin at the airport with a hug, and the leaders shared a car journey (echoing the limo diplomacy when Putin and Donald Trump met in Alaska earlier this year). In his remarks, Modi referred to Putin as my friend and the India-Russia relationship as a guiding star, built on mutual respect and deep trust that had stood the test of time.

Vladimir Putin has told the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, that Russia is ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of oil to India, signalling a defiant stance as the two leaders met in Delhi and affirmed that their ties were resilient to external pressure.

Driving the news: Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin entered the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit hand-in-hand and immediately formed a tight circle with Chinese President Xi Jinping - warm smiles on display for the press. Xi gave a speech denouncing "Cold War mentalities" and "bullying," without mentioning Trump's name. Modi and Putin shared a limo ride and spoke one-on-one for nearly an hour. Modi later told Putin, "1.4 billion Indians are waiting with excitement" to welcome him later this year. Xi and Modi also met on Sunday, with readouts from both of the neighboring giants stressing they are "partners," not "rivals."