India-Russia Relations Amid Shifting Geopolitics: Strategic Depth or Tactical Realignment?

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar's recent visit to Moscow in August 2025 and the co-chairing of the 26th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) marked a critical moment in the evolving India-Russia bilateral relationship.

- Huma Siddiqui

Coming just months ahead of President Vladimir Putin's anticipated winter visit to India, and against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly the newly imposed U.S. tariffs, the visit underscores India's continuing commitment to strategic autonomy and multipolar engagement.

This moment is more than a routine diplomatic engagement. It is emblematic of the balancing act New Delhi must perform as it faces increasing pressure from the West while striving to maintain time-tested ties with Moscow.

A Historical Anchor

India-Russia relations have historically been marked by trust, cooperation, and strategic alignment. From Soviet support during India's formative decades, including the 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty and key moments like the Bangladesh Liberation War, to contemporary collaborations in defence, energy, and space, the bilateral partnership has been resilient. The phrase “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” used to describe this relationship is not rhetorical; it is a reflection of decades-long policy continuity.

However, the contours of this partnership have been tested in the post-Ukraine war era, where the global order is increasingly fragmented. While India has refused to align itself with Western efforts to isolate Russia diplomatically or economically, it has also deepened its engagements with the U.S., EU, and Indo-Pacific partners. The challenge, then, is not abandonment but recalibration, and Jaishankar's visit is a case in point.

Tariffs, Sanctions, and Strategic Choices