Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to make a significant state visit to India from December 4 to 5, marking a crucial moment in bilateral relations. The two-day visit will feature the 23rd India-Russia annual summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with both leaders expected to address multiple strategic areas of cooperation.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that President Putin's visit comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. According to official statements, the summit aims to review progress in bilateral relations and establish a vision for strengthening what both nations describe as their 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership'.
President Droupadi Murmu will formally receive the Russian leader and host a banquet in his honour, highlighting the diplomatic significance of the visit. The Kremlin has emphasized that this visit carries substantial importance as it provides an opportunity to examine the complete spectrum of the bilateral relationship.
Defence Cooperation Takes Center Stage
Defence cooperation emerges as a primary focus area, with India reportedly considering additional procurement of the S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia. Sources indicate that the system's exceptional performance during Operation Sindoor has reinforced India's confidence in the technology.
The S-400 Triumf system demonstrated remarkable effectiveness during military operations, successfully neutralizing Pakistani aircraft including F-16 and JF-17 fighters. According to reports, the system's capabilities forced Pakistan to relocate its air assets beyond 300 kilometers from the Indian border following initial engagements.
India had originally signed a $5 billion agreement in October 2018 to acquire five units of the S-400 air defence systems, despite potential US sanctions under CAATSA provisions. Three squadrons have already been delivered, with the remaining two expected by mid-next year.
Energy and Economic Cooperation
In the energy sector, Russia has offered India additional discounts on crude oil procurement, according to PTI reports. This development comes as India's purchases of Russian crude have recently declined following new US sanctions targeting two Russian oil producers.
The bilateral trade relationship has shown remarkable growth, with trade volumes surging 1.8 times compared to 2022, reaching an impressive $65 billion in 2023. This growth has positioned Russia as India's fourth-largest trading partner, though trade imbalances continue to present challenges.
Both nations are expected to sign a wide range of interdepartmental and business agreements during the summit. The discussions will likely address methods to enhance two-way trade using local currencies, advancing bilateral energy cooperation despite Western sanctions against Russia.
Comprehensive Bilateral Agenda
Beyond defence and energy, the leaders are anticipated to focus on deepening cooperation in civil nuclear energy and other strategic areas. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently noted that numerous bilateral agreements, initiatives, and projects are under discussion across various fields.
The summit will also provide a platform for exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the Ukraine conflict and evolving geopolitical dynamics. As key BRICS members, both countries continue advocating for greater representation of emerging economies in global institutions.
The India-Russia annual summit mechanism has proven resilient, with 22 meetings conducted alternately in both countries to date. President Putin last visited New Delhi in 2021, while Prime Minister Modi traveled to Moscow for last year's summit in July.
This enduring partnership, rooted in historical ties dating back to the Soviet Union era, remains a cornerstone of India's foreign policy, balancing relationships with multiple global powers while maintaining strategic autonomy.
