In a world of shifting alliances, India-Russia relations remain strong. If Donald Trump returns as US President, India may find new opportunities to deepen ties with Moscow, even while balancing Western partnerships. Defence, energy, and evolving trade define the strategic depth of this partnership.

BulletsIn

• Trump’s return may ease US pressure on India’s Russia defence ties
• India continues S-400 deployment despite US sanctions threat
• India-Russia trade hit record $66B in 2024, led by discounted oil
• Russia now India’s second-largest crude supplier
• India-Russia defence ties expand: Su-30MKI talks, BrahMos exports, Chakra III lease
• Joint AK-203 rifle production boosts Make in India and bilateral trust
• Economic diversification underway: pharma, IT, rare earths
• Infrastructure links like INSTC, Chennai–Vladivostok route planned
• Russia’s tilt to China, minor Russia-Pakistan ties complicate India’s strategy
• New areas like AI, space, quantum tech explored to future-proof ties