India-Russia Ties: Necessity, Not Nostalgia, in Multipolar World

• India-Russia ties are driven by necessity in a multipolar world, focusing on mutual advantage and strategic autonomy rather than Soviet-era nostalgia.
• Russian President Putin's recent visit to New Delhi underscored a pragmatic recalibration of the bilateral partnership.
• Energy is a new anchor, with India becoming a major buyer of discounted Russian crude, crucial for its energy security.
• Defence cooperation is evolving from direct purchases to co-development and technology transfer, exemplified by projects like BrahMos.
• Discussions during the visit included insulating the relationship from Western sanctions, exploring new payment mechanisms, and reviving the Chennai-Vladivostok corridor.

Why It Matters: India-Russia ties adapt to global shifts, securing India's strategic autonomy and energy needs.