Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India last week was more about geopolitical messaging than breakthrough deals. The sides made it clear that they would expand economies relations, develop trade and strengthen military-technical cooperation despite restrictive US pressures. Major problems remain, such as the disparity in trade and the huge amount of rupees that Russian oil exporters cannot withdraw from India. These and other issues, including Russian oil supplies, the future of blacklisted Rosneft in India and nuclear energy cooperation, were all broached on the two-day trip.
