Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi sends an unmistakable message that Moscow continues to value its long-standing partnership with India and will not reduce itself to a “junior partner” to China, strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney has said. Speaking to India Today TV ahead of the Russian leader’s December 4–5 state visit, Chellaney stressed that the symbolism of the trip is as important as the outcomes.

Chellaney said Putin’s first visit to India since the Ukraine war began carries “huge geopolitical meaning,” especially at a time when Western sanctions have pushed Moscow into deeper economic dependence on Beijing.

“By showing up in New Delhi, Putin is advertising that Russia has options beyond China,” he said. “The US, by isolating Russia from Western markets

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