Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in India for a crucial two-day state visit from December 4 to 5, marking his first trip to the country since 2021. The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will see the leaders co-chair the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit and hold extensive talks aimed at reinforcing the long-standing 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' between the two nations.
Reviving Annual Summits and Broadening Ties
The upcoming summit signals a return to the tradition of annual high-level meetings between the two countries. Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov, emphasized that the visit is a major step toward deepening the strategic partnership. He noted that both sides have prepared a thorough agenda, expecting the meetings to provide new momentum for cooperation across all areas.
The discussions are expected to cover a wide spectrum of bilateral issues. A joint statement is anticipated, along with the signing of multiple interdepartmental and business agreements. Key areas of focus will include civil nuclear energy, trade diversification, and space collaboration. The India-Russia Forum will also convene in New Delhi, bringing together government and business leaders to explore ways to boost bilateral trade, which has surged from around $10–12 billion before 2022 to approximately $50–60 billion recently, largely due to imports of discounted Russian oil.
Defence Cooperation: S-400 and Fifth-Gen Fighters in Focus
A significant portion of the talks will be dedicated to defence cooperation, a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the potential sale of additional regiments of the S-400 long-range anti-aircraft missile systems to India is highly likely to be on the agenda. He highlighted that Russian military equipment constitutes about 36% of the Indian armed forces' inventory.
Furthermore, Russia hopes to discuss India's potential acquisition of the advanced Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Peskov touted the Su-57 as "the best plane in the world." This follows earlier indications from Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport about offering India license production for advanced air weapons and integration of Indian-made weaponry on future aircraft.
Strategic Autonomy and Enduring Partnership
The visit occurs amid evolving global dynamics, testing the resilience of the India-Russia relationship. In a recent statement, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh affirmed the enduring nature of the defence partnership, calling Russia a friend through "fair and foul weather." He simultaneously underscored India's commitment to its policy of strategic autonomy in foreign affairs.
President Putin will be formally received by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, who will host a state banquet in his honour. The leaders last met in person on September 1, 2025, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. This week's summit provides a formal platform to review progress, outline a future vision, and exchange views on pressing regional and global issues of mutual interest.
