The phrase "Elephant Doesn’t Change Direction Easily" is a metaphor for India's long-standing, steadfast relationship with Russia (the bear) that remains difficult to shift despite pressure from the U.S. and its Western allies. The recent meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin in New Delhi in December 2025 highlights their commitment to nurturing these ties amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.
Context of the Relationship
"Elephant" for India: India is often referred to as an "elephant" in geopolitical discussions, symbolizing its steady, massive growth, strategic autonomy, and deep-rooted, time-tested partnerships.
"Bear" for Russia: Russia is traditionally represented by the "bear".
"Dragon" for China: The "dragon" represents China, which is also developing closer ties with Russia, a dynamic some observers have termed a "dragon-elephant tango" or a "bear hug" that concerns the U.S..
Nurturing Delicate Relations
Modi and Putin's recent interactions signal a mutual desire to deepen their "special and privileged strategic partnership" for the future, while navigating contemporary challenges.
Trade and Economy: Trade between these countries is huge. The leaders agreed to an economic cooperation program until 2030, aiming to boost annual bilateral trade to $100 billion, with Russia seeking more Indian exports to balance the current trade deficit.
Energy and Defense: Russia is a reliable supplier of fuel and the top supplier of defense equipment to India. The nations are shifting towards joint manufacturing of defense components under India's "Make in India" initiative and expanding cooperation in civilian nuclear energy.
Geopolitical Tightrope: India maintains its strategic autonomy, engaging with Russia despite Western sanctions. The U.S. has imposed tariffs on India over its Russian oil purchases, putting New Delhi in a delicate position of balancing its traditional ties with Russia and its growing relationship with the U.S.
In essence, the elephant's direction (India's foreign policy) is rooted in decades of non-aligned cooperation and mutual interest, demonstrating a reluctance to dramatically change course solely due to external pressure.
“When it comes to oil, few countries have needed each other more than Russia and India in recent years. Now, that relationship is being tested.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi this past week, months after President Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India as punishment for buying Russian oil.
Despite U.S. efforts to isolate Russia, India has offered it an economic and diplomatic lifeline by buying its sanctioned crude.
India has benefited from a deep discount since 2022 because of a patchwork of sanctions on Russian oil and the long voyage for tankers heading from Russia's western ports to the subcontinent.
But recent U.S. secondary sanctions threatened against entities trading with Russian state oil firms Rosneft and Lukoil are set to force India to cut back sharply on its purchases.
Buying oil from Russia also has left India with a giant trade deficit with Russia, something of a sore point for New Delhi and a major theme during the visit. The leaders want to maintain their mutually beneficial energy relationship and show they can withstand U.S. pressure, without antagonizing Trump.
"We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel," said Putin during a joint news conference with Modi on Friday. The Indian leader, who spoke first, concentrated on the two countries' cooperation over civil nuclear energy rather than oil. "Energy security has been a strong and vital pillar of the India-Russia partnership," he said.” [1]
1. World News: Modi, Putin Nurture Delicate Relations. Lahiri, Tripti. Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y.. 06 Dec 2025: A8.
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