India‑Russia Ties: Balancing US Pressure and Ukraine War

India and Russia share a decades-long relationship that has persisted despite global shifts, including Russia's war in Ukraine. This enduring bond has placed India in a complex geopolitical position, navigating its ties with both Moscow and Washington.

A Historical Triangle: India, Russia, and the US

The relationship between India, Russia, and the United States is characterized by overlapping and sometimes competing interests. India has historically balanced its connections with Moscow and Washington since its independence. While the US has become a more significant trading partner for India, the unpredictability of US administrations, particularly under figures like Donald Trump, has created challenges.

The sentiment in India often views the Russia-India relationship as deeply emotional rather than purely transactional, rooted in a shared history and mutual understanding.

The Legacy of Soviet Support

Following its independence in 1947, India sought assistance for industrialization. The Soviet Union, and later Russia, proved willing to transfer technology and expertise, a stark contrast to the US, which primarily offered financial aid. A prime example of this collaboration is the Bhilai steel plant, a symbol of Indo-Soviet friendship, with the technical blueprint provided by the Russians. Nikita Khrushchev, addressing the Indian Parliament in 1960, famously stated that the Indo-Soviet friendship should be as strong as the metal produced at Bhilai.

During the Cold War, India's commitment to non-alignment, refusing to formally ally with any superpower, further pushed it closer to Moscow, especially as the US forged military alliances with India's rival, Pakistan. The "Pakistan angle" has been a constant factor, with India viewing US support for Pakistan as a red line.

Enduring Military Ties

The Soviet Union's willingness to share more than just engineering know-how extended to military cooperation. In the 1950s, India, preferring to purchase weapons or production licenses rather than accept aid, found a willing partner in the Soviet Union. Moscow had no qualms about India license-producing fighter jets or tanks.

These military ties continue to this day, with Russia remaining India's largest defense supplier, accounting for approximately 48% of India's military needs. India's fighter fleet is almost entirely Russian, making it dependent on Russia for spares and maintenance technology. Despite sanctions and the war in Ukraine, India remains Russia's biggest market for weaponry, reflecting its need for a large military to assert its regional status.

The Ukraine War and Oil Imports

Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine complicated India's position. While India has called for peace, it has refrained from condemning the invasion. Prior to the war, India imported very little Russian oil, primarily relying on the Middle East. However, this changed dramatically after the invasion.

India is now Russia's largest client for seaborne oil. This shift was partly driven by the price cap imposed on Russian oil exports, which created a discount and an arbitrage opportunity for India. In July 2026, Russian crude constituted nearly 56% of India's total oil imports, amounting to approximately $6.4 billion per month, providing vital cash to the Kremlin.

Initially, the Biden administration encouraged India to buy Russian oil below the price cap to stabilize global markets. However, under President Donald Trump, the US criticized India's purchases, using tariffs and public campaigns to pressure New Delhi to reduce its reliance on Russian oil.

Strained US Relations and Public Opinion

Another strain on the US-India relationship occurred in 2025 following a brief conflict between India and Pakistan. Trump's claim of deserving a Nobel Peace Prize for brokering a ceasefire was rejected by India, further impacting public opinion. A Pew survey indicated that only 16% of Indians view the US as their top ally, compared to 36% who see Russia in that role.

The US's shifting stance on Iran, including airstrikes and subsequent waivers for countries to buy Russian oil, has also influenced India's energy strategy.

Energy Diversification and Economic Realities

Oil remains a crucial link, but Russia is also key to India's energy diversification efforts, particularly in nuclear power. The Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu, a flagship project, is a significant component of India's nuclear energy strategy, despite delays and cost overruns due to the war in Ukraine.

However, India must balance its friendship with Russia against economic realities. The US is India's largest export market, making it imperative for India to maintain good trade relations. The large Indian diaspora in the US, with over 5 million strong, and the significant number of Indian students and professionals in Silicon Valley and the financial sector, further underscore the importance of the US to India.

The China Factor

Beyond the India-Russia-US triangle, the relationship between Russia, India, and China is equally significant. Russia's increasing dependence on China is a source of discomfort for India. In this dynamic, Russia is often seen as the "man in the middle," lacking the economic and demographic scale of India and China.

A Marriage of Convenience

India's long-standing strategy of non-alignment persists. Despite Russia's economic challenges and international isolation, it remains a critical partner for India. While a rebalancing of relationships may occur, a complete break from Russia is unlikely. As India's Foreign Minister Jaishankar noted, the India-Russia relationship is a "constant in geopolitics," enduring through changes in both countries.

The relationship between India and Russia today can be characterized as a "marriage of convenience." While the intense affection of the 1950s may have waned, a certain warmth and familiarity remain, built on decades of shared history and mutual understanding.