Russian President Vladimir Putin drew Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi into a warm bear hug, referred to him as his "dearest friend", took him for a drive around his official residence of Novo-Ogaryovo on the outskirts of Moscow and had multiple meetings with him over Mr Modi's two-day visit to Russia.
The Indian Prime Minister, in turn, called the Russian strongman "my dear friend" and hailed Russia as a "partner in happiness and sorrow".
Yet, for Mr Modi, who chose Russia for his first trip after being sworn in for his third term of office, a complex strategic calculus lies behind the optics of this friendship, as he seeks to balance India's ties with Russia on the one hand and with the US on the other hand.
India has deepening ties with the US, which sees the South Asian country as a crucial strategic partner in its security blueprint for the Indo-Pacific amid the growing assertiveness of China, a common concern for both Washington and New Delhi.
India has so far refused to explicitly criticise Mr Putin for the Ukraine war, although Mr Modi told the leader when they met in 2022 that "today's time is not a time for war".
Underscoring the delicate diplomatic tightrope that New Delhi is treading, Mr Modi told Mr Putin he was pained by the deaths of children in war, a day after a children's hospital was hit during a deadly round of Russian air strikes on cities across Ukraine on July 8. At least 37 people were killed in the attacks.
This story is from the July 11, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 11, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
S'pore key for StanChart as trade, investments in Asean grow: CEO
Region starting to rival Greater China, S. Asia and Mid-East in contributing to bank's business
Should you time your resignation to avoid losing out on bonus?
In this series, manpower reporter Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times' HeadStart newsletter.
Entrepreneur fails to stop bankruptcy action over $34 million business debt
Court rejects her plan to repay banks via sale of properties, revenue from leasing
Markets cheer prospect of Fed rate cuts
Expect more gains this week, although there are some minefields further ahead
US companies avoiding layoffs, but hiring has slowed
As job growth has slowed and unemployment has crept up, some economists have pointed to a sign of confidence among employers: They are, for the most part, holding on to their existing workers.
Sustainable finance, GenAl among skills identified for those in banking
IBF and SkillsFuture working to build capabilities, particularly among SMEs
Saving S-E Asia's trees requires action on climate, land use: Study
Region's forests facing 'double whammy' of threats from climate change, deforestation
Only female in milling event out to break barrier
When Ms Shanice Wong, 20, realised she was the only female in a male-dominated event, she knew she had to rely on \"girl power\" to secure a win.
Poly student leans on hotel industry training
A nosy handyman tests your professionalism. Attendees of a wedding party create a ruckus in the hotel lobby. A distraught guest crumbles in panic after losing her passport.
Parlaying their skills at ‘Olympics'
Duo fly the flag for S'pore with expertise in trains
