Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a two-day visit aimed at reinforcing the strong ties between the two nations. This visit is particularly significant as India has become a major buyer of Russian oil, increasing its imports from 2.5% to 35% since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. The two countries are expected to sign several agreements, focusing on trade and defense cooperation. Modi's government faces pressure from the U.S. to reduce its oil purchases from Russia, complicating India's diplomatic balancing act. The visit underscores the historical relationship between India and Russia, which has endured despite changing global dynamics. Modi aims to enhance bilateral trade, which has been underperforming, and seeks to diversify India's defense procurement while maintaining strategic autonomy in foreign relations.