Putin Visits Modi: What it Means for India-Japan Relations  

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Strategic Dialogue. His trip was very significant for a host of reasons. One of the most important takeaways from the visit was Russia's agreement to continue supplying energy to India. This was important for New Delhi's energy security, as the fastest growing major economy in the world.

No major deals were signed in the field of defense during Putin's trip, which may be due to the fact the US-India trade deal is also around the corner. However, it is worth noting that in Operation Sindoor in May, where India struck terror targets deep inside Pakistan, the Russian-supplied S400 missile defense systems played a very critical role in ensuring India's success.

What is important to note here is that Russia and India have had time-tested relations with each other and these are likely to continue in the times to come. The two countries have also collaborated in the field of space exploration, with India's first-ever astronaut traveling to space.

Why Is Russia Important for India?

The relationship with Russia is important for India for a host of reasons. One of the most important reasons is the fact that the majority of India's defense imports are still of Russian origin. This has been the case right from the time of India's independence. The 2025 Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report notes that "the largest share of India's imports came from Russia (36%); however, interestingly this is significantly smaller share than in 2015–19 (55%) and 2010–14 (72%)."

Before the India-Pakistan war of 1971, India and Russia signed a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation which made sure other major powers did not enter the war on Pakistan's side. It is also worth noting here that Russia's help has been invaluable in India's nuclear energy sector. This is seen in the many Russian-supported nuclear reactors in India.

Another reason why Russia is important for India is the China factor. India has had a long history of friction with China and the two countries had a border clash in the summer of 2020. To take on China, which has been supplying weapons to Pakistan, India needs the help of Russia. This is especially true as Moscow has been willing to transfer technology to New Delhi.

At the same time, India's relations with the United States seem to be passing through a difficult phase. One of the biggest challenges that has come in the field of India-US relations is the support given to Pakistan under the Trump administration. That is definitely a no-go area for India. In addition, the Pakistan Army Chief, Asif Munir, has been invited for lunch at the White House.

Summit Takeaways 

The summit boosted the two countries' economic ties in a big manner. Now, the India-Russia Economic Cooperation Programme is aiming for $100 billion USD annual trade by 2030. This is important since the US, which is India's biggest trading partner, has slapped punitive sanctions of 50% on some of India's major exports. 

In addition, there were discussions on linking India's RuPay with Russia's Mir network. They also agreed to explore a Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS)-based payments corridor. India and Russia are both members of BRICS and organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

After President Putin's visit, a joint statement was issued by the two sides. It notes: 

"The two Sides agreed to deepen cooperation in building stable and efficient transport corridors, with the focus on expanding logistics links for improving connectivity and enhancing infrastructure capacity to support the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai–Vladivostok (Eastern Maritime) Corridor, and the Northern Sea Route. They welcomed the signing of the MoU on the Training of Specialists for Ships Operating in Polar Waters." 

The INSTC is very important for India as it is not a member of the China-led Belt and Road Initiative. It has also invested in a big way in the Chabahar port in Iran, which will provide India with alternative access to Central Asia, as Pakistan has denied it overland access through its territory. 

In the past, India and the former Soviet Union have collaborated in countries like Afghanistan. They had propped up groups like the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan, before the Taliban took over.

The Japan Factor

Relations with Russia also have to be seen in the backdrop of India's growing ties with Japan. It is worth noting here that Japan and Russia have a territorial dispute. They are also on different sides of the divide when it comes to the Russia-Ukraine war. 

In keeping with its growing ties with Japan, India kept away from Beijing's September 3 "victory parade," to avoid upsetting Japan. For Japan and India, the bilateral relationship is important, even though they are cultivating different global powers.

The Road Ahead

Slowly but surely, India is increasing its defense imports from other countries, including from the United States. It is also increasing imports from countries like France and Israel. In addition, it is a member of the Quad, along with the United States, Australia and Japan.

However, the ties between India and Japan will also continue to grow at the same time. This is because the central pillar of India's foreign policy has always been strategic autonomy, irrespective of the change in governments, right from the time of its independence in 1947. 

Modern India and Japan started coming closer in the aftermath of the end of the Cold War. Since then, however, they have developed very fast and will continue to grow, independent of India's closeness to Russia.

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Author: Dr Rupakjyoti Borah

Dr Rupakjyoti Borah is a Senior Research Fellow with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies, Tokyo. The views expressed here are personal.