Post by : Rameen Ariff

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in New Delhi this evening for a two-day State visit, coinciding with the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This visit marks his first to India since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022, with his last trip to the country taking place in December 2021. Invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin’s visit is aimed at strengthening the longstanding “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between the two nations.

During his stay, Putin will engage in comprehensive discussions with Indian officials covering trade, economic cooperation, science and technology, cultural exchanges, and regional and global issues of mutual interest. Reports indicate that over ten intergovernmental agreements and more than fifteen commercial and non-commercial memorandums are expected to be signed during the visit, underscoring the depth of India-Russia collaboration across multiple sectors.

On his arrival, Prime Minister Modi will host a private dinner for Putin in New Delhi. On December 5, the Russian President will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan, including a tri-services guard of honour, and pay tribute at the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Formal talks will follow at Hyderabad House, where both leaders will review progress in bilateral relations and outline future priorities for cooperation.

Ahead of the visit, Russia has indicated potential discussions on the sale of additional S-400 long-range air defence missile systems and the possibility of India acquiring the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. Kremlin officials highlighted the ongoing collaboration in defence technology, including the production of BrahMos missiles and the exchange of high-tech expertise, emphasizing that such cooperation is critical for the strategic partnership’s future. Discussions on nuclear energy agreements are also expected to feature on the agenda.

The visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia Strategic Partnership, originally established in October 2000 and later elevated to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” during Putin’s visit in December 2010. Both countries aim to intensify trade and economic ties, targeting a bilateral trade volume of 100 billion dollars by 2030. In 2024-25, trade between India and Russia reached a record 68.7 billion dollars, reflecting growing economic collaboration.

Putin’s delegation includes high-ranking Russian officials, Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, representatives from Roscosmos, Rosatom, and VEB.RF, as well as leaders from Russia’s major financial institutions and industrial companies such as Rosneft, Sberbank, Basic Element, Rusal, and VTB Bank. Their presence highlights the strategic and economic importance Russia places on strengthening ties with India.

This high-profile visit underscores India and Russia’s commitment to deepening political, economic, and defence cooperation, marking a significant step in their long-standing bilateral relationship while addressing global and regional challenges together.

#Global News