India-Russia Summit: Exploring the Strategic Relationship Between the World's Largest Democracy and Putin

After coming to power for the third time as Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi's first official visit to any foreign country has been Russia.

India's close friend is Russia. Their alliance has been strong since the days of the Cold War.

In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, many sanctions have been put on Russia. However, India has emerged as a key importer of Russian oil.

This setup suits both Russia and India. On the one hand, exporting oil to India fills Russian war coffers. On the other, India can buy cheap oil and contain inflation.

Both sides have agreed to expand bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.

The USA needs India to contain China and establish a new world order. So reluctantly, the USA approves trade ties between India and Russia.

Prime Minister Modi has made it clear to President Putin that the loss of lives of children due to the ongoing war is unacceptable.

The Bible also has verses about war. It talks about a time in the future when wars will cease and peace will reign.

"Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” - Psalm 46:8-10

India follows an independent foreign policy and walks a diplomatic tightrope by being allies of both the USA and Russia during these chaotic times.