Chilly winds for America: Putin's India visit to seal strategic partnership

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Amid ongoing tensions with the United States over the purchase of Russian oil, India has presented another major proof of its independent foreign policy. Defying US President Donald Trump's threats and sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India in December. The dates for Putin's crucial visit (December 5-6) have also been revealed, during which he will hold a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This visit is being seen as a direct and strong message to the Trump administration that India will not compromise on its national interests.

In fact, President Trump has been continuously pressuring India to stop importing oil from Russia due to the Russia-Ukraine war. When India refused, the US imposed heavy tariffs of up to 50% twice, further straining relations between the two countries. However, India has made it clear that it will do what is in its national interest. This pressure from the US has further strengthened the decades-old friendship between India and Russia, and Putin's visit is a testament to that friendship.

Recently, images of the meeting between PM Modi, President Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, China, shook the United States. This "trio" unnerved America, and Trump began efforts to improve relations with India again. Putin's visit is seen as a continuation of that trend.

Putin's visit was first announced during NSA Ajit Doval's visit to Moscow. It is believed that PM Modi and Putin will also have serious discussions about ending the Ukraine war. India has always advocated for a negotiated settlement of this conflict, and PM Modi has previously appealed to Putin for peace several times.

This visit is not just a regular summit, but a big geopolitical message, which will be watched by the whole world.