Kugelman: Putin's India Visit Strategic & Successful Amid Western Pressure

• Analyst Michael Kugelman called Putin's India visit "successful" and strategically timed amid Western pressure.
• The visit, Putin's first in four years since the Ukraine invasion, underscored the enduring India-Russia relationship despite global tensions.
• The 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit's joint statement covered broad cooperation, including military, energy, commercial, and infrastructure.
• Kugelman highlighted challenges in energy and military equipment delivery but noted Russia could aid India's access to Central Asia.
• The summit reminded the West that Russia cannot be fully isolated, as major global players like India and China maintain close ties.

Why It Matters: Putin's India visit shows enduring ties, challenging Western efforts to isolate Russia.