The News
India moved to strengthen economic ties with Russia, increasing oil purchases and relying on Moscow to upgrade its own infrastructure.
A major Indian refiner last week signed what Reuters described as the biggest-ever energy deal between the two countries, while The Indian Express noted a new maritime route opened this year was helping bolster bilateral trade. India has also awarded a contract to a St. Petersburg firm to build new long-distance passenger train carriages.
Some Western officials have voiced frustration toward New Delhi’s continued trade with Moscow despite opprobrium over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. India counters that it enforces international sanctions but remains reliant on Russia for military goods, and argues that such trade also reduces Beijing’s sway over Moscow.