Strategic partnership deepens as Russia seeks defence and trade boost
Russian President Vladimir Putin has departed Moscow and is en route to New Delhi, marking the start of a significant two-day State visit. This trip, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signals a major diplomatic engagement as the two leaders convene for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
This marks a pivotal moment in international relations, as it is President Putin's first trip to India since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. His last visit to the country was in December 2021. Upon his arrival this evening, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to host a private dinner for the Russian leader, setting a personal tone for the high-level discussions to follow.
Ceremonial Welcome and Key Agenda
The official engagements will kick off on December 5 with a ceremonial welcome and a tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Following this, President Putin will pay his respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. The core diplomatic talks will take place at Hyderabad House, where the leaders will meet in a restricted format followed by delegation-level discussions.
According to reports, the agenda is packed with substantial deliverables. Approximately 25 agreements—comprising 10 intergovernmental documents and over 15 commercial memorandums—are being prepared for signature. These pacts aim to bolster cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade, agriculture, science, and academia.
Focus on Defence and Technology
Defence cooperation remains the cornerstone of the Vladimir Putin India visit. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has indicated that high-level talks regarding military technology are expected. Specifically, the potential supply of additional S-400 long-range anti-aircraft missile systems is on the table. furthermore, Russia is keen to discuss the Su-57, their fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, which Peskov described as the "best plane in the world."
Russia is emphasizing a shift from a simple "buyer-seller" relationship to one of technology transfer and joint development, similar to the success of the BrahMos missile project. Nuclear energy cooperation is also a likely topic of discussion.
Boosting Trade to $100 Billion
Economic ties are equally prioritized. Both nations are eyeing a trade target of $100 billion by 2030. This comes as bilateral trade has already surged to a record $68.7 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
To facilitate these comprehensive talks, Putin is accompanied by a high-powered delegation. This includes Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, heads of major Russian corporations like Rosneft and Rosatom, and key banking officials. The visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership, aiming to reinforce the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" established between the two historic allies.
With Agency Inputs
