Vladimir Putin's India Visit: Strengthening Trade, Defense and Diplomatic Ties Between Long-Standing Partners

India and Russia are working diligently to reduce their trade imbalance as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for his crucial two-day state visit to New Delhi arriving this evening.

This diplomatic engagement aims to strengthen one of the world's most enduring bilateral partnerships, with officials from India's Ministry of External Affairs characterizing the visit as "important" and representative of a relationship that has "remained one of the most stable in modern times."

According to senior MEA officials, expanding trade and economic cooperation will be the primary focus of discussions, an area that has seen remarkable growth in recent years.

The visit is expected to address India's efforts to increase exports of marine products, potatoes, pomegranates, processed foods, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals to Russia. Simultaneously, India maintains significant dependence on Russian fertilizers, importing between three and five million tonnes annually, with hopes to enhance this cooperation further.

A finalized mobility agreement facilitating movement of skilled and semi-skilled workers between the two nations is anticipated as a major outcome, with the agreement currently in its final stage of internal processing. Negotiations regarding a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union have also made substantial progress, with both parties aiming for a swift conclusion to discussions.

Diplomatic relations are expanding through new Indian consulates, with operations recently beginning in Kazan and another set to open in Yekaterinburg shortly. The summit is expected to yield multiple agreements covering trade, economic cooperation, healthcare, and media sectors.

While defense agreements typically remain unannounced during such visits, sources indicate these discussions will be significant. Government officials emphasized that counter-terrorism cooperation, established since 2002, remains a consistent element of bilateral engagement.

The leaders will address major international developments, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with India reiterating its support for "dialogue and diplomacy" as the path forward.

Sources revealed to NDTV that India is considering procurement of additional S-400 systems following their impressive performance during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan earlier this year. Discussions may also explore the advanced S-500 platform.

Talks are expected regarding potential acquisition of Su-57 stealth fighters and resolving pending S-400 deliveries. In the energy sector, Russia has reportedly offered additional discounts on crude oil amid changing global market dynamics.

Prior to Putin's visit, Moscow offered Delhi unrestricted access to technology for the fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet to support India's future aircraft requirements. The Russian proposal involves initially supplying Russian-produced Su-57 fighters while gradually transitioning production to India.

Reports indicate Moscow may also offer its single-engine stealth fighter aircraft, the Su-75 Checkmate, to India.

Putin's December 5 itinerary includes a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, tributes at Rajghat, delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by a joint press statement, a business event with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu before his evening departure.