Putin and the Balancing Act with Modi and Xi Jinping
Vladimir Putin’s talks with the Chinese leader on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit drew significant media attention, particularly his remarks about the Chinese leader’s concerns regarding the situation in the Ukraine conflict. This was essentially an acknowledgment of his challenges and difficulties in his invasion of that country. However, in his recent statements and interviews, there was an emphasis on continuing his efforts in Ukraine.
But a new development has been marked by his negotiations with the Indian Prime Minister. Unlike the talks with Xi Jinping, in the negotiations with Modi, Putin expressed his desire to end the war in Ukraine and stated that it is the Ukrainians who want to continue fighting. Putin is well aware of the unique nature of the relationship with India, and recent news about India’s growing interest in purchasing oil from sources other than Russia’s ultra-cheap oil has worried him.