Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent two-day visit to India marks a significant step in deepening the historically strong ties between India and Russia, which have persisted for nearly eight decades despite shifting global dynamics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a private dinner for Putin, setting the stage for the 23rd India-Russia summit, where discussions centered on enhancing defense collaborations, insulating trade from external pressures, and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors. This summit comes at a critical time as relations between India and the U.S. are experiencing a downturn, highlighting the strategic importance of bolstering defense and economic partnerships with Russia. The Congress party emphasized that the origins of this partnership trace back to the Indo-Soviet alliance of the mid-1950s, with historical milestones such as technology transfers and joint ventures shaping contemporary ties. As both leaders prepare to seal several agreements, the outcomes of this summit will be closely scrutinized by Western capitals, further illustrating the geopolitical balancing act India seeks to maintain amidst rising global tensions.