Why Russian-Indian Relations Have Been Steady in the Storm

The relationship between Russia and India has proven surprisingly resilient since the invasion of Ukraine, anchored in a long history and a shared desire for a multipolar world order. Economic cooperation has significantly deepened, largely fueled by India's massive purchases of discounted Russian oil. In contrast, military collaboration has stagnated due to ongoing concerns about procurement delays and equipment quality, while political ties remain consistently strong. Ultimately, India views its connections with both Russia and the West pragmatically, refusing to treat them as an either/or proposition and maintaining its strategic independence.