Arunadho Mukherjee

When it's come to Russia, it's always been a tightrope walk.

But more so now, I would say, given the fact that it is taking place as there is that sustained pressure from the U.S.

against India continuing to buy Russian oil.

And that, you know, out of the 50 percent tariffs, which is one of the highest in the world against India, 25 percent was that additional tariff that President Trump slapped on India simply because India wouldn't stop buying Russian oil.

India is aware of that.

And as

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India goes into his meetings with President Vladimir Putin over this two-day visit, he will be very conscious of that fact, that he needs to ensure India stays true to an age-old friend that is Russia, while also ensure that it does not upset any prospects of a possible trade agreement between India and the US in the near future.

Remember, India and the US have still been trying to work out that trade deal.

They've not been able to nail it down.

And in the circumstances, this is a very sensitive period which would be watched very closely by the West.

And India's proximity to Russia, you know, India's aware should not be such an irritant that it could upset any kind of progress on the trade front.

The focus will be on Russia wanting India to continue purchasing Russian crude oil.

That is very important for Moscow.

It is very important for India as well.

It has repeatedly maintained that it needs to ensure energy security for a country of a 1.4 billion population.

of a country which is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

India's foreign minister on multiple international platforms has used this argument to justify the continuing purchase of Russian oil and that reality has not changed.

India has also ensured inflation remains at a certain level thanks to its purchase of discounted Russian oil.

That is one.

The other aspect of cooperation is likely to be