Dhaka, Dec. 4 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India this week for a summit aimed at strengthening economic, defense and energy cooperation, a trip that will also test New Delhi's balancing act between Moscow and Washington as the Ukraine war continues.

Putin is expected to arrive Thursday and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Both sides said they will review progress in bilateral ties, discuss major issues and sign government and business agreements.

India has kept buying discounted Russian oil despite U.S. pressure, arguing that the imports are vital for its 1.4 billion people. Washington says the purchases are helping Moscow fund the war, and U.S. President Donald Trump recently raised tariffs on I...