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Why Putin's India Visit "Makes All the Sense in the World" Amid Global Volatility

Economist Kent Bhupathi argues that President Putin's visit to India is perfectly timed given the current global tensions. The summit between Modi and Putin is crucial for navigating Western pressure on Russian oil imports. A key goal is to find new ways to sustain their vital energy trade partnership. Beyond oil, both nations are ambitiously targeting a massive increase in overall trade by 2030.

Key Points: Economist Bhupathi on Modi-Putin Summit Amid US Pressure

  • Economist Bhupathi says global uncertainty drives India to seek alliances with major historical partners
  • The Modi-Putin summit aims to secure steady oil supplies despite US pressure
  • Former diplomat says leaders will work on maintaining oil trade through alternative means
  • Bilateral trade target set at $100 billion by 2030, independent of oil dynamics
2 min read

It makes all the sense in the world: Economist Kent Bhupathi on PM Modi, President Putin meeting in India

Economist Kent Bhupathi explains the strategic timing of Putin's India visit, focusing on securing oil and boosting trade to $100 billion despite Western pressure.

"makes all the sense in the world, given the volatility and uncertainty between the United States and India. - Economist Kent Oliver Bhupathi"

New Delhi, December 4

Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to India takes place as the country looks to secure steady oil supplies and expand trade, even as pressure grows from Western nations. Economist Kent Oliver Bhupathi, speaking to ANI on Thursday, says the timing of the visit "makes all the sense in the world, given the volatility and uncertainty between the United States and India."

He explained that when big economies experience uncertainty, it is natural that they look for "other large economies, especially those in Asia and major historical trading partners, will seek new alliances, agreements, and opportunities."

Speaking on the US President's stance on Russian oil, Bhupathi said, "We know the Trump administration's stance on Russian oil flows to India, so, understandably, that would lead to a meeting."

Earlier, former Indian diplomat Mahesh Sachdev on Thursday stated that during Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin are likely to explore alternative ways to maintain the crucial oil trade dynamics between the two nations amid growing Western pressure, while pushing bilateral trade towards the ambitious USD 100 billion target by 2030.

Speaking ahead of Putin's two-day state visit to India, Sachdev highlighted that such summits provide an opportunity to make strategic decisions and chart a new direction for bilateral ties.

"These summits take strategic decisions and set a new direction for the relationship at the highest level... Only two days ago, President Putin had a five-hour-long meeting at the Kremlin with President Trump's envoy and his son-in-law. So those issues will be in the backdrop of this summit," Sachdev said.

"The two leaders would perhaps be working on how to state this oil equation through other means... The two sides seem to have decided to raise trade to USD 100 billion by 2030, irrespective of the oil equation," he added.

The former diplomat's comment comes ahead of the Russian President's state visit to the country, the first time since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022. The last time he visited the country was in December 2021.

Putin is set to arrive in New Delhi on Thursday evening on a two-day state visit and will also take part in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the economic necessity, I hope our leaders also use this summit to privately urge for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. India's voice for dialogue carries weight. Our foreign policy should balance interests with our values.
A
Aditya G
$100 billion trade target is ambitious but achievable if we diversify beyond defence and oil. We should push for more Russian investment in Indian manufacturing and tech. Make in India needs all partners.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in India for work, it's fascinating to watch. The economist is right—in global uncertainty, nations will seek stable partnerships. India is smartly navigating between East and West to protect its growth.
K
Karthik V
The timing is indeed perfect. With the US election results and policy uncertainty there, we must lock in our energy security. Hope they also discuss faster payment mechanisms to bypass SWIFT sanctions. Practical solutions are needed.
N
Nikhil C
Respectfully, while the meeting makes economic sense, we must be cautious. Over-reliance on any single nation for critical imports is a strategic risk. I hope the talks include long-term plans to diversify our energy basket further.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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