Putin's Populist Pals Tell Him to Quit Ukraine
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Putin’s Populist Pals Show Their Hand in Ukraine
The recent public rebuke of Vladimir Putin by Narendra Modi, a fellow authoritarian populist, has been widely reported as a sign that the Russian president’s friends are finally telling him to pack it in. However, this rebuke may not be as genuine as it seems.
Modi’s relationship with Putin is long-standing and mutually beneficial. India has imported significant amounts of crude oil from Russia since 2022-25, with over $172 billion worth sold in those years alone. This windfall has yielded an estimated $15-20 billion in extra profits for Indian refiners each year. Modi’s foreign ministry has described the partnership as a “special and privileged strategic partnership,” and he has even received Putin’s highest honor, the Order of St Andrew.
The sudden shift to publicly criticizing Putin is likely driven by self-preservation rather than concern for Ukraine or democracy. Modi knows that Putin’s weakness could spell disaster for both leaders. With over 40% of Russia’s economy dedicated to the war effort and a growing number of Russian soldiers being cut down in action, Putin’s grip on power is tenuous at best.
Modi also faces his own domestic challenges. With India’s mid-term elections looming, he needs the support of his populist allies – including Trump – to shore up his base. By appearing to take a tough stance against Russia, Modi can bolster his image and secure the backing of his allies.
Trump has been an embarrassment to the US on the world stage, with his fealty to Putin and Modi well-documented. His handling of Ukraine has been disastrous, leaving America weak and divided. The threat of nuclear war is merely a desperate attempt by Putin to distract from his own weakness.
As Putin’s star continues to fade, it remains to be seen whether Modi will continue to back him or jump ship with the rest. Ultimately, these leaders are self-serving politicians who will do whatever it takes to stay in power – not because they care about Ukraine or democracy, but because they want to maintain their own influence and control.
Reader Views
- HRHank R. · MSF instructor
The notion that Modi's criticism of Putin is motivated by altruism rather than self-preservation is a naive one. The reality is that as the war in Ukraine continues to drain Russia's coffers and Putin's popularity wanes, both leaders are scrambling for survival. But what's often overlooked is the economic impact on India itself. With its economy heavily reliant on imports from Russia, Modi's criticism of Putin may ultimately benefit his own country by reducing dependence on a failing partner. This raises questions about the true motivations behind Modi's sudden shift in stance and whether it will lead to more than just temporary diplomatic gains.
- TGThe Garage Desk · editorial
The sudden change of heart from Modi and his populist pals is less about saving Ukraine and more about saving themselves. As the war in Ukraine drags on, Putin's grip on power grows increasingly tenuous, threatening to upend alliances across the globe. But what happens when these authoritarian leaders are no longer in power? Who will be left holding the bag for their reckless actions? The international community needs to consider this question before getting swept up in the latest shift in geopolitics.
- SPSage P. · moto journalist
The latest rebuke of Putin is as much about Modi's survival as it is about Ukraine. With India's mid-term elections looming, he needs to shore up his populist credentials and nothing says "strong leader" like pretending to take a stand against Russia's beleaguered president. The real question is what concessions Modi will demand from Putin in exchange for his public criticism – and whether those deals will come at the expense of India's already fragile relationships with other major powers.