Despite public perception, India -Russia ties have remained firm. There is no question of either country wanting to break the traditional strong political ties, which has served both sides well,’’ says Nandan Unnikrishnan a Russia speaking expert of the New Delhi based think tank, Observer Research Foundation. "The Putin-Modi informal summit in Sochi in May 2018, cleared many of the misperceptions," Unnikrishnan explained. He points to the fact that Modi was committed to purchase the S400 missile system from Russia despite tremendous pressure from the Trump administration and the threat of sanctions. High-level visits and meetings have continued despite the pandemic. Both the defence and foreign ministers were in Moscow last year. During the India-China standoff in Ladakh last year, Russia obliged India by sending spare parts quickly. India may have diversified buying military hardware but Russia still remains on top. India is now looking to invest in Russia’s the Far East.