Russian President Vladimir Putin will be in India this week for a summit aimed at deepening economic, defense and energy ties, a visit that will also test New Delhi’s efforts to balance relations with Moscow and Washington as the war in Ukraine grinds on.

Putin is scheduled to arrive for his state visit on Thursday and hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

They are expected to review progress on bilateral ties, discuss issues of mutual interest and sign interdepartmental and business agreements, both governments said.

India has continued to buy discounted Russian oil, despite warnings from Washington that this is partly keeping Moscow’s revenues afloat to fund the Ukraine war.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed additional 25% tariffs on Indian imports, raising the total duties to 50%, in retaliation.

India has defended its imports as essential for meeting the growing energy needs of its 1.4 billion people.

The India-Russia summit comes as the United States renews its push for a Ukraine peace plan and seeks broader cooperation from key partners.

Trump’s peace plan has prompted concerns that it tilted too heavily toward Moscow, and the proposal was revised after U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva more than a week ago.

Modi has avoided condemning Russia for the fighting in Ukraine while emphasizing the need for a peaceful settlement.

Analysts believe India has avoided taking on an overt mediating role because it could complicate its ties with both Russia and the U.S., but say Modi may engage in "behind-the-scenes" diplomacy during Putin's visit.

The Russian leader last visited India in 2021, while Modi was in Moscow last year.

The two leaders briefly met in September in China during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

AP Video by Piyush Nagpal