Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in New Delhi on 4 December 2024 for a significant two-day state visit, marking his first official trip to India since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022. The visit underscores the resilience of the strategic partnership between the two nations amid global geopolitical shifts.
A Packed Itinerary of Diplomacy and Discussion
The visit will commence with a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence on Lok Kalyan Marg on the evening of December 4. Official engagements kick off the next morning with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Subsequently, the core of the visit will be the 23rd annual India-Russia summit at the South Block, followed by in-depth bilateral talks between the two leaders at Hyderabad House. The agenda is expansive, covering defence, trade, energy, and people-to-people ties.
Key Agendas: From S-400s to Skilled Workers
High on the discussion list is defence cooperation, with the S-400 missile systems and Su-57 fighter jets featuring prominently, as confirmed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Both sides are also expected to review the process for ensuring the safe return of Indian nationals enrolled in the Russian military.
On the economic front, with bilateral trade volume having surged to $63 billion, negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union will be a focal point. The leaders aim to elevate trade to $100 billion by 2030. A finalised labour mobility agreement, awaiting internal clearances, will soon enable Indian professionals to work in Russia's construction, healthcare, and hospitality sectors.
Energy and Strategic Corridors
Civil nuclear cooperation is another critical pillar. Talks will involve:
- Sharing small modular reactor technology.
- Completing existing nuclear power projects.
- Exploring new trade corridors and secure sea routes.
The leaders will also engage with business delegations at Bharat Mandapam, coinciding with the launch of Russia Today's India operations, highlighting enhanced media and cultural links.
President Putin's visit, his first since December 2021, is a powerful symbol of the enduring and time-tested partnership between India and Russia. It aims to navigate contemporary challenges while fortifying collaboration across traditional and new sectors, from advanced defence systems to clean energy and digital connectivity.
