Delhi Prepares For Putin’s Key Visit
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed today that Russian President Vladimir Putin will undertake a State Visit to India from December 4th to 5th for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This high-level meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be crucial, providing an opportunity for both nations to reinforce their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” amidst a rapidly changing global landscape.
President Putin’s arrival marks his first visit to India since December 2021, and it highlights the enduring strength of the bilateral relationship. The leaders will review the complete spectrum of their ties, from political and economic cooperation to security and technology. A primary focus will be on setting a clear vision for the next phase of this long-standing partnership.
A key part of the summit agenda will be the critical area of defence cooperation. India’s reliance on Russian military hardware remains substantial, and officials plan to push for definitive timelines for the pending delivery of the remaining S-400 Triumf air defence missile squadrons. While an immediate signing of new multi-billion dollar deals is not expected, discussions will cover broader defence collaboration, technology transfer, and joint development of future military systems.
There is significant interest in India’s potential procurement of additional S-400 units, which have proven essential to its air defence strategy. Talks are also likely to touch upon the possibility of acquiring Russia’s fifth-generation Sukhoi-57 fighter jets. For New Delhi, securing a stable and reliable supply of defence equipment is paramount, especially as global supply chains face disruptions.
Energy cooperation has emerged as another vital pillar of the relationship, particularly in recent years. Russia is currently one of the largest suppliers of crude oil to India, and this bilateral energy trade is crucial for India’s energy security. The leaders are expected to discuss new mechanisms to ensure smooth payment and logistics for oil supplies, navigating complexities arising from global market fluctuations and sanctions.
Furthermore, civilian nuclear cooperation will feature prominently. Progress on large-scale projects, such as the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, and future ventures, including Russian proposals for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in India, are anticipated to be reviewed.
Beyond bilateral issues, the leaders will exchange views on major regional and global developments. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is set to be a key discussion point, with India expected to reiterate its consistent stand advocating for dialogue, diplomacy, and an early, peaceful resolution. Regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and Central Asia will also form a part of the strategic dialogue.
The visit, which will also see President Droupadi Murmu receiving President Putin and hosting a State Banquet, is being viewed by analysts as a moment for India and Russia to consolidate their deep-rooted ties. Both nations are committed to expanding their economic engagement, and the summit is expected to result in the signing of various interdepartmental and business agreements across sectors like trade, science, and technology.
