Putin's 2-Day India Visit: Defense Deals, Energy Cooperation and Ukraine War Discussions on Agenda

Russian President Vladimir Putin will be making an official visit to India from December 4 to 5 to participate in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday.

This high-level diplomatic engagement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance at last year's summit in Moscow, highlighting the continuing importance of bilateral relations between the two nations.

According to the MEA statement, "The forthcoming state visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest."

The summit will feature comprehensive talks between PM Modi and President Putin, with a focus on defense collaboration, energy partnerships, trade expansion, and overall bilateral cooperation.

The Kremlin has emphasized the significance of this visit, noting that it offers "an opportunity to comprehensively discuss the extensive agenda of Russian-Indian relations within the particularly privileged strategic partnership in the political, trade, economic, scientific, technological, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, as well as to consider topical international and regional issues."

President Droupadi Murmu will officially receive Putin and host a state banquet in his honor during the visit.

Putin's last visit to India occurred in December 2021, shortly before Russia began military operations in Ukraine in February 2022.

Key agenda items for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit are expected to include:

Defence and Energy Cooperation: India is considering procuring additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, following the effectiveness of these weapons during Operation Sindoor. Three squadrons have already been delivered, with the remaining two expected by mid-2026.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has confirmed that India will address delivery delays of the S-400 air defence systems during Putin's visit. "Potentially S-400 not ruled but don't expect any announcements during this. This meeting will focus on the broader elements of cooperation on defence between the two sides. We'll try to ensure that some of these delivery delays are ended and we start getting clearer answers in terms of when some of these delayed deliveries take place."

Singh also indicated that India will raise concerns about delays in other significant defence projects, including the Sukhoi aircraft upgradation program, to push for expedited progress.

Discussions may also include the potential purchase of at least two squadrons of Su-57 fighter jets from Russia.

On the energy front, Russia has reportedly offered additional discounts on crude oil to India, as New Delhi's oil purchases have decreased following US sanctions.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: With ongoing international efforts to develop a peace roadmap for the Ukraine war, PM Modi has consistently advocated for an end to the conflict.

Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha about developments in the Ukraine situation. Jaishankar stated, "Had a telecon with FM Andrii Sybiha last evening. Appreciate his briefing on the ongoing developments related to the Ukraine conflict. Reiterated India's support for an early end to this conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace."

Russia continues to be a reliable strategic partner for India and remains a crucial element in New Delhi's foreign policy framework.