Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Moscow to reaffirm India's strategic partnership with Russia and signal its role as a key power balancer. The trip aimed to strengthen historically close ties between the two countries and balance relationships with Russia, China, and Western nations. Modi's visit came as the US scrutinized international compliance with sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Despite Washington's dissatisfaction with some Indian companies violating global sanctions against Russia, Modi's visit was not expected to significantly impact India's relations with the US. India and Russia have a strong strategic partnership in trade and defense, with India continuing to buy Russian oil despite Western sanctions. The Modi-Putin summit offered a perspective on India's potential role in bringing about peace in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. India's exports to Russia rose by 35% in 2023-24, and its imports from Russia increased by 33%, with oil purchases accounting for almost 90% of imports. Russia's market share of India's arms imports has decreased over the years. Modi's visit aimed to restore Russian confidence in bilateral ties disrupted by the pandemic and the Ukraine war. While Western countries hoped for India to downgrade its ties with Russia, they recognized India's economic and defense needs that can be fulfilled by Moscow. The US was unlikely to impose sanctions against India over its ties with Russia, as India was seen as a crucial country in countering China. India sought to maintain a balance between its relationship with the US and its independent foreign policy.