Vladimir Putin on short visit to India
The visit of the Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was not really planned as the two countries have a regular practice one head of state visiting the other country every year. However, the Indian officials just could not overlook a request for a "working visit" by someone so important on the international political arena.
Putin has cut short his visit by one day and has kept all his engagements strictly related to business. The official delegation he heads includes members of the Russian Telecom major Sistema, a fact that surprised some officials.
This will be the Putin's 5th visit to India. Russia is increasing uneasy about the US-India relationship however it shares India's concerns on terrorism and other matters.
Strategically Russia sees a partner in India as it too wants terrorism in Afghanistan or Pakistan to be crushed as it also could cause disturbances in central Russia, it is concerned like the US over the rise of India and China and it wants a stronger Indian Navy controlling the Indian navy which would leave lesser space for the US navy in the region.
There are many challenges in the relationship between the two countries. India is a major export destination for Russian defense equipment while India business persons often complain of the strict regime for doing business in Russia and even hurdles in obtaining a Visa.
The two countries share strategic vision for the era and are likely to maintain their strategic partnership despite looking elsewhere for new friends and alliances.
