Putin Basks in Praise From Modi on India Visit

The article describes Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly showered him with praise and highlighted their “time-tested” friendship, even as much of the West seeks to isolate Russia over the war in Ukraine. The piece dwells on the symbolism of the trip: the warm body language between the two leaders, Modi calling Putin a trusted friend, and prominent billboards in Indian cities featuring their images. It notes that India continues to rely heavily on Russia for discounted oil and military hardware, and that both sides used the visit to signal that their "special strategic partnership" remains strong despite global pressure.

At the same time, the article stresses the unease this creates in Washington and European capitals, which view Modi as an important partner but are wary of how far India will go in backing Moscow. It explains that New Delhi is trying to walk a tightrope—refusing to condemn Russia outright or join Western sanctions while insisting it supports peace and a diplomatic solution in Ukraine.

For Putin, the visit is portrayed as proof that Russia is not internationally isolated and still has powerful friends; for Modi, it reinforces his image at home as a global leader able to balance great-power rivalries and keep India’s economic and strategic interests front and center.