How Modi’s balanced foreign policy and non-alignment stance boosted India’s global leverage.
I HAVE BEEN a strong critic of many of Prime Minister Modi’s domestic policies, particularly regarding the treatment of Indian minorities.
However, in foreign policy, one must acknowledge that he has wisely continued former Prime Minister Nehru’s legacy of non-alignment.
While strengthening ties with the United States, Modi has also ensured that India maintains its long-standing strategic partnership with Russia. His recent invitation to President Vladimir Putin to visit India and discuss bilateral cooperation reflects this balanced approach.
Modi welcomes President Putin with a ceremonial red-carpet reception in Delhi.
President Putin arrived in Delhi yesterday and received a full red-carpet welcome, with Prime Minister Modi personally going to the airport to receive him.
Modi has successfully maintained equilibrium between the two major powers and has refused to downgrade India’s ties with Russia despite strong pressure from President Trump, who even imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods because India continued purchasing Russian oil.
India’s friendship with Russia began soon after Independence during the Cold War era, strengthened over decades through defence cooperation and access to affordable oil.
Even today, nearly 70% of India’s military hardware—fighter jets, missiles, tanks, and artillery—comes from Russia. With ongoing border tensions with China and Pakistan, Russian defence supplies remain indispensable to India’s security.
Putin signs the ceremonial visitor register during his India visit.
During Putin’s visit, several major agreements are expected to be finalised. India may acquire the S-400 missile defence system and explore the SU-57, Russia’s latest-generation fighter jet, along with potential trade and energy deals.
India’s foreign policy must always be based on national interest, not on American approval.
Trump’s punitive tariffs were intended to pressure India to stop buying Russian oil, but Russian crude comes at discounted rates—crucial for India after Iranian supplies were cut due to U.S. sanctions. Modi deserves credit for not yielding to such arm-twisting.
A detailed interview with President Putin provides insight into Russia’s worldview and the rationale behind Moscow’s outreach to India.
Russia’s strategic posture amid global tensions forms a key backdrop to Putin’s India outreach.
Putin’s visit is equally important for Russia. Since the Ukraine war, Russia has faced severe sanctions and diplomatic isolation from the U.S. and Europe. This visit helps Moscow break that isolation and signals that key nations like India continue to engage with it.
The visit has also sent a clear message to Western capitals: India’s friendship with Russia remains firm, independent, and guided by its strategic needs.
For India, the visit strengthens its diplomatic leverage; for Russia, it restores a measure of legitimacy on the global stage.
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In sum, Putin’s India visit has reshaped geopolitical calculations and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strategic autonomy—an approach Modi has handled with clarity and firmness. 
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Markandey Katju
Justice Markandey Katju is former Judge, Supreme Court of India and former Chairman, Press Council of India.
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