普京带590亿访印，特朗普降关税抢盟友，为何印度突然如此抢手？

Core Viewpoint - The geopolitical dynamics surrounding Russia's dependence on India for cash flow amidst financial crises, and the implications of U.S. tariff incentives for India, are reshaping global energy and military trade relationships [1][3][27]. Group 1: Russia's Financial Crisis - Russia is facing a severe financial crisis with a fiscal deficit rate rising to 3.8%, exceeding the 3% safety line by 1.2 percentage points [3]. - The Central Bank of Russia has reduced its gold reserves by 120 tons in the first half of the year, indicating a depletion of financial resources [3]. - Russia's reliance on foreign exchange reserves as emergency funds highlights its dwindling fiscal capacity [3]. Group 2: Importance of India to Russia - India has become a critical cash flow source for Russia, surpassing China's significance due to the reshaped trade dynamics from the Russia-Ukraine conflict [5]. - The trade volume between Russia and India reached $66 billion in the last fiscal year, with Russia enjoying a surplus of $59 billion, indicating a one-sided financial relationship [7]. - India's energy purchases, particularly in oil, have been vital for Russia, with India spending $55 billion on oil alone [7]. Group 3: U.S. Influence and Tariff Incentives - The U.S. has strategically positioned itself to exploit Russia's vulnerabilities by offering India reduced tariffs from 50% to 15%-16%, which is a significant incentive compared to tariffs faced by other regions [9]. - This tariff reduction could lower costs for India's textile and pharmaceutical exports to the U.S. by 70%, potentially recovering over $10 billion in lost orders due to high tariffs [11]. - India's energy imports from the U.S. have increased from 3% to 8%, with a notable contract for 2.2 million tons of LNG, further diminishing its reliance on Russian energy [13]. Group 4: Russia's Countermeasures - In response to U.S. pressure, Russia has employed a three-pronged strategy to maintain its influence over India, including economic pressure, technology partnerships, and securing trade routes [15][18][22]. - Russia's economic pressure tactic involved selling off excess rupees, causing the Indian rupee to depreciate significantly, which forced the Indian government to stabilize its currency [17]. - Russia has proposed technology transfers, such as establishing a production line for Su-57 fighter jets in India, to secure energy contracts worth at least $40 billion over three years [20]. Group 5: Broader Geopolitical Implications - The ongoing competition for India's allegiance between Russia and the U.S. reflects a larger struggle for influence, with India's decisions impacting Russia's economic recovery and the balance of power globally [27]. - The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which will ultimately determine the outcomes of these geopolitical maneuvers [27].