For obvious reasons, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow, his first since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, stirred significant global attention. Modi's embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin occurred amidst the grim backdrop of a missile strike on a Ukrainian children's hospital, eliciting strong condemnations from critics, including Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, who labeled Modi’s visit “a huge disappointment.”

The United States also voiced its concerns over India's ties with Russia, highlighting the delicate diplomatic balancing act Modi faces. However, Western critiques of Modi’s visit overlook the complexities of the Russia-India relationship, which remains crucial for both nations. For New Delhi, nurturing this relationship is a crucial test of its diplomatic agility. The India-Russia bond, forged during the Cold War, remains robust.

Russia has become energy-thirsty India’s largest oil supplier, a vital source of fertilizers, and a key provider of grain. Trade between the two nations has surged dramatically. Before the Ukraine conflict, a $25 billion annual trade target seemed lofty. Today, that figure has ballooned to $65 billion, with Modi and Putin ambitiously aiming for $100 billion by 2030. This growing economic partnership underscores a broader strategic alignment, positioning India as a pivotal player in global geopolitics.

While the West may view India’s engagement with Russia with skepticism, it is clear that New Delhi values its historical ties with Moscow. For Modi, strengthening this relationship is not just about trade; it’s about securing India's strategic interests in a turbulent global landscape. Modi’s diplomatic maneuvers reflect a calculated strategy to elevate India's status -- and his own after less-than-expected........

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