Putin in India: Tharoor explains how Russia supports India’s defence and energy needs

As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India for a high-profile visit, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shared the enduring importance of the India–Russia partnership, praising Moscow’s consistent support in areas ranging from energy to defence.

Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said Putin’s trip comes at a “hugely significant” moment, especially when global geopolitical equations are shifting rapidly. He stressed that India must strengthen relationships that have stood the test of time.

Tharoor said, "value of Russian friendship has been proven in recent years, particularly in two domains. We've had a lot of oil and gas from Russia in recent years, and the value of defence imports from Russia was demonstrated once again during Operation Sindoor when the S-400 protected us from a number of Pakistani missiles that were targeting our cities, including Delhi."

Reaffirming India’s long-standing policy of strategic autonomy, Tharoor said New Delhi maintains independent ties with major global powers, including the US, China, and Russia.

"No one should misunderstand that this will affect our relationships with other countries, because India has the capacity to have independent relationships with different governments. We are a nation that has always believed in sovereign autonomy. Our autonomy to decide our friendships, our partnerships and our national interests is encoded in our DNA," he added.

Tharoor said that any agreements emerging from Putin’s visit would further consolidate a “vital relationship” without coming at the expense of India’s ties with any other nation.

Putin is on his first visit to India in four years and will remain in New Delhi until December 5. He is scheduled to participate in the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Experts say the visit is expected to deepen cooperation in defence, trade, science and technology, culture, and humanitarian affairs. Former diplomat Arun Singh also reiterated that Russia’s political and military support over the decades ensures its continued relevance in India’s strategic planning.