Washington, Dec 5 (NationPress) US media outlets have characterized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi as a crucial juncture in India’s diplomatic strategy, focusing on the Modi administration’s efforts to maintain its strong strategic alliance with Moscow while managing intense pressure from Washington.

Lalit K Jha

The Washington Post portrayed the visit as placing PM Modi in a “sensitive diplomatic situation,” noting that he must uphold his commitments to Russia “without aggravating President Donald Trump,” who has imposed penalties on India for its acquisition of Russian crude, accusing it of “aiding its ‘war machine’ in Ukraine.

According to the Post, Indian refiners have started decreasing their intake of Russian oil in light of tightening US and European sanctions, a transition analysts labeled a “significant setback” to Moscow’s wartime financial resources.

The New York Times emphasized the significance of PM Modi personally welcoming Putin on the tarmac, interpreting it as a gesture highlighting the “strong personal connection” between the two leaders amidst a tense geopolitical landscape.

It indicated that India is “searching for pathways to untangle its economic issues with the Trump administration,” which has accused New Delhi of financing Russia’s military actions through its low-cost crude imports.

The Times also referenced that topics such as trade, defense supplies, nuclear collaboration, fertilizer trade, and a proposed labor mobility agreement would feature prominently in the discussions.

The Wall Street Journal provided a pointed analysis, suggesting that Putin’s visit aims “to safeguard a partnership that serves as a vital economic and diplomatic lifeline for Moscow, yet has drawn the ire of the Trump administration.”

The Journal noted that Trump has levied 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports in retaliation for India’s substantial Russian oil purchases. Furthermore, it expects that India will reduce its Russian oil imports to approximately one million barrels a day this month, down from 1.8 million barrels a day in November, following new US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil.

Additionally, the Journal observed that Putin is anticipated to propose “affordable oil and advanced arms” to enhance bilateral relations, even as Indian officials have discreetly dampened expectations for major new defense agreements. Analysts highlighted by the paper indicated that India might leverage Russian proposals to negotiate better terms with Washington, especially given a US law that allows for sanctions against nations acquiring substantial defense equipment from Moscow.

Despite skepticism regarding immediate arms transactions, the Journal reported that “the trajectory of the relationship is on the rise,” with both nations aiming to broaden trade beyond just energy.

CNN spotlighted the Ukraine issue. Just prior to his arrival in Delhi, Putin informed India Today that Russia would “liberate Donbas and Novorossiya… by military or other means,” further stating: “We will conclude this endeavor when we attain the objectives outlined at the onset of the special military operation, upon liberating these territories.”

CNN linked these comments to his meeting in Moscow with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner earlier that week, noting that Trump later described the discussions as “a perfect meeting” but acknowledged that “it requires two to tango.”

Across leading US media, the visit is framed as a challenge for India to assert its strategic independence—endeavoring to maintain strong ties with Russia, its primary arms supplier, while solidifying a rapidly developing security alliance with the United States.

The Washington Post indicated that New Delhi seeks to convey to Moscow that “the fundamentals of the relationship remain robust,” even as India adapts to changes in the global energy market and US reprisals concerning Russian imports.

India and Russia have sustained a close strategic partnership since the Cold War, grounded in defense collaboration, energy trade, and multilateral alignment.

Russia continues to be India’s predominant source of military hardware, although New Delhi has diversified its procurement in recent years.

The United States, now India’s largest trading partner, has intensified strategic cooperation with New Delhi against the backdrop of China’s ascendancy.

Putin’s visit to India transpires amid escalated global tensions, with US–Russia confrontations over Ukraine and shifting oil dynamics placing India at the heart of a complex geopolitical recalibration.