India-Russia defence ties are waning. Crude oil supply is the centerpiece of relationship

Since the onset of the Ukraine War, India's ties with Russia have faced intense geopolitical scrutiny. Despite inherent challenges, the relationship, rooted in historical ties dating back to the Soviet era, continues to evolve by turning obstacles into opportunities. However, Russia's decades-long dominance in India's defence sector has not been without issues, including delays, corruption, and conflicting geopolitical alignments. And today more complexities are compounded. Reports confirm that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official visit to India in early 2025. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently returned from Russia, bringing with him…