Why President Vladimir Putin’s India visit is causing stir in US media, they say…

President Vladimir Putin India(BHARAT) Visit: India(BHARAT) and Russia share a deep bond with each other and always stand by each other in their hard times. Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in Delhi on Thursday. He is on a two-day visit to India(BHARAT) from December 4–5. The visit has come at a time when the United States has imposed several sanctions on India(BHARAT). This is the reason the world is looking at Putin’s visit very closely. Major newspapers from CNN to the Washington Post have written big articles on recent developments in India(BHARAT), Russia, and the United States.

#WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a hug as PM Modi receives President Putin, at the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi

President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India(BHARAT). He will hold the 23rd India(BHARAT)-Russia Annual Summit with PM… pic.twitter.com/3Rvfnp1sDD

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025

Why Is US Media Closely Monitoring Putin’s Visit?

According to a report by CNN, the Russian President’s aircraft landed in Delhi on Thursday evening. He was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a grand ceremony. However, PM Modi is also trying to maintain strong strategic ties with the United States.

CNN further wrote, “This is India(BHARAT)’s diplomatic split screen. On one side, plans to buy advanced Russian fighter jets, cheap oil, and a strong friendship forged during the Cold War. On the other hand, US cooperation on technology, trade, and investment, and the hope that President Doland Trump will lift his harsh tariffs.”

CNN Says – India(BHARAT) Trying To Contain Both America And Russia

The CNN report stated that Putin’s visit, his first to India(BHARAT) since the start of the Ukraine war, comes at a tense time for PM Modi.

CNN wrote, “India(BHARAT) is negotiating a much-needed trade deal with the US after it was hit with a 50% tariff, half of which was a direct punishment for New Delhi’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil. Nevertheless, Putin’s visit agenda includes more defence deals with Moscow, including purchases of weapons that India(BHARAT) considers essential to protect itself from Pakistan and China.”

The report stated that it is time for New Delhi is ready to stay with Russia even if Moscow is being defamed across the world. “Apart from oil and weapons, this is diplomatic hedging that shows Beijing and Washington that Delhi has a third option and gives it some more bargaining space.”

CNN report mentioned that India(BHARAT)-Russia relationship was forged during the Cold War. When newly independent India(BHARAT) needed assistance and Moscow extended Soviet industrial and economic support.

“India(BHARAT) will have to prove its ability to work with difficult neighbours. Russia is also a close partner of China, while China is a major source of weapons for Pakistan,” the report mentioned.

‘Punishment For Buying Cheap Oil From Russia’

As per the CNN report, when Western sanctions led to a major price cut in Russian oil, India(BHARAT) seized the opportunity. To support its population of over 1.4 billion, significantly increased its purchases of Russian crude oil, becoming one of the top buyers.

In response to western criticism, specially from European countries, New Delhi maintained that its first responsibility is fulfilling the needs of its people.

But in August, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on India(BHARAT), as a punishment for its trade deficit with Washington and for buying Russian oil, the US website wrote.

Pressure On India(BHARAT) Is Mounting, Said Writes Foreign Policy

US’s prominent magazine Foreign Policy, in a report, wrote about Washington’s perspective on Russia-India(BHARAT) relations.

It was written that Putin and PM Modi are expected to discuss potential deals on a range of issues, including energy, aviation, essential minerals, and defence.

Foreign Policy wrote, “These people will embrace, exchange pleasantries, and make new promises of cooperation, and that’s exactly what they should be. As India(BHARAT) faces the wrath of US President Doland Trump’s tariff policies, grapples with its worst conflict in decades with Pakistan, and faces major regional challenges, it’s clear that it needs its close Russian friend more than ever.”