Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a two-day visit to New Delhi this December 4, where he will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and take part in the countries’ annual bilateral summit. The trip is expected to produce several agreements and comes amid heightened US pressure on India to limit its purchases of Russian oil.
The visit also overlaps with renewed US diplomatic efforts to engage Russia and Ukraine in talks aimed at ending the war. India and Russia have maintained a close strategic partnership for decades, and Putin and Modi are viewed as having a notably warm relationship.
As Russia navigates an increasingly isolated position on the global stage since the invasion of Ukraine, its alliances play a crucial role in shaping its foreign policy and military strategy. From Belarus to China and North Korea, these partnerships are driven by shared interests, economic ties, and political support, particularly in response to Western sanctions.
Understanding these relationships is essential for grasping the complexities of contemporary international relations involving Russia. Click on to learn more about Russia's allies.