Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago, amid stalled U.S. efforts to end the conflict.

His 30-hour visit comes as U.S.-India relations face tension, with Washington imposing tariffs and threatening sanctions over India’s continued strong ties to Russia and increased purchases of Russian crude.

The visit underscores India’s ongoing challenge of balancing its historic relationship with Russia against deepening strategic and military ties with the United States.

Since independence in 1947, India has avoided formal alliances, leading the non-aligned movement during the Cold War while maintaining a closer relationship with the Soviet Union, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Today, India continues this careful balancing act between major powers.