Kremlin signals rising pressure on India as Putin visit aims to fortify trade, defense ties

In a strongly worded message ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s December 4–5 visit to New Delhi, the Kremlin has underscored the need to “protect” Indo-Russian cooperation from foreign pressure, while signalling key negotiations on defence hardware, nuclear technology and alternative financial systems.

Speaking at an online briefing hosted by Sputnik India, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia recognized “pressure on India” and stressed the need to build an economic and geopolitical framework shielded from outside influence. The priority, he said, was maintaining and expanding bilateral trade — particularly oil flows — despite sanctions and tariff threats.

“What concerns us is how we continue and enlarge the volume of our bilateral business with India — not letting anyone interfere,” Peskov said. “We understand there is pressure over India. This is why we must create an architecture of relations free of third-country influence.”

He praised New Delhi’s foreign policy posture, saying: “India is sovereign in defending its interests, and we admire this characteristic.”

Oil, sanctions and alternative payment systems on the agenda

Responding to questions on reduced Russian oil purchases and the US’s proposed 25% tariff on Indian refined petroleum sourced from Russia, Peskov said trade patterns were fluctuating but resilient.

“Some companies are slowing down purchases, some are increasing them. The system is flexible,” he said. Russia, he added, would continue working on alternative payment systems to bypass Western restrictions: “We are developing real bilateral or multilateral mechanisms that cannot be used as political tools.”

Calling Western sanctions “illegal” without UN authorisation, the Kremlin spokesperson said Russia had “deep experience operating under such conditions.”

Defense deals: S-400 systems, Su-57 jets, and nuclear cooperation

Putin will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, with major defence and energy proposals on the table. Peskov confirmed that the sale of the final batch of the S-400 air defence system and possible cooperation on the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet would feature prominently in talks.

“The Su-57 is the best plane in the world,” he claimed, adding that negotiations would remain confidential due to global competition.

On nuclear cooperation, Peskov confirmed that Russia would propose supplying India with small modular reactors (SMRs): “The chief of our nuclear firm will carry the offer in his bag.”

Labor mobility pact and diplomatic signalling

Among the agreements under review is a labour mobility pact expected to ease skilled workforce movement between the two nations. “We hope there will be progress during the visit,” Peskov noted.

He also lauded India’s diplomatic stance on the Ukraine war. “We appreciate that India listens to our position firsthand. We do not have dialogue with Europe — but India hears us.”

India, China, and Russia’s strategic balancing act

Responding to questions on Russia’s deepening partnership with China, Peskov said Moscow views both Asian powers as strategic priorities and respects their bilateral dynamics.

“We have no doubt India and China — two ancient, wise nations — will resolve their issues peacefully,” he said.

Putin’s visit is expected to reaffirm the long-standing India-Russia partnership at a time when shifting global alignments, sanctions and defence dependencies are reshaping strategic relationships — placing New Delhi’s balancing act firmly under global watch.