Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in New Delhi today, marking his first visit to India since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict. The 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit is scheduled for December 4–5, a meeting of considerable strategic importance for India as it seeks to uphold its independent foreign policy despite mounting pressure from Western nations. India’s reliance on Russia for critical defence equipment, crude oil, and fertilizers further underscores the significance of this summit. For Moscow, the visit presents an opportunity to strengthen what it calls a “special and privileged strategic partnership” with one of its most consistent partners and to advance new financial mechanisms to bypass Western sanctions.
In addition to President Putin’s formal talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries are preparing an extensive set of agreements covering defence, energy, mobility, health, payment systems, and commercial cooperation. Putin will be accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and senior business leaders. The Kremlin has reiterated that India–Russia relations are built on “trust and continuity,” with annual summits playing a pivotal role in sustaining bilateral engagement even through periods of global turbulence. Bilateral trade currently stands at USD 68.7 billion, with both nations aiming to raise the figure to USD 100 billion by 2030.
Defence Cooperation at the Core of Summit Agenda
Defence collaboration will be the most prominent theme at the summit. India is expected to press Russia to expedite the delivery of additional S-400 Triumf long-range air defence systems already contracted. New Delhi will also seek firm assurances regarding spare parts and upgrades for existing Russian-origin platforms. Advanced technologies—including future combat aircraft such as the Su-57—are likely to be discussed.
India’s focus, however, is shifting from direct procurement to joint development and manufacturing, particularly in missiles, submarines, and aviation systems. Ahead of the summit, the Russian Parliament approved the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) Agreement, which allows the armed forces of both countries to use each other’s military facilities for joint exercises, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
Energy, Nuclear Cooperation, and Trade Frameworks
Energy will be another major pillar of discussion. Russia has stated that supplying crude oil to India at competitive prices remains mutually beneficial. In the nuclear sector—where the two countries already collaborate on projects such as Kudankulam—an agreement on small modular reactors may be finalized during the visit.
A two-day India–Russia Business Forum is also being held in New Delhi alongside the summit to boost economic ties. Both sides are expected to intensify negotiations on the India–Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement. Fertilizer supply, a critical component of India’s agricultural security, will also figure prominently in the talks.
Currency Alternatives, Connectivity Corridors, and Mobility Pact
Discussions will be held on expanding payment mechanisms that bypass the U.S. dollar, using currencies such as the UAE dirham, Indian rupee, and Chinese yuan. Options include formalizing a dirham-based settlement system or linking Russia’s SPFS financial messaging network with Indian platforms.
Connectivity projects such as the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor and Iran’s Chabahar Port will be reviewed. The long-pending mobility agreement—aimed at enabling smoother movement of skilled and unskilled workers between the two nations—is reportedly in its final stages. The governments are also preparing a framework to strengthen cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector and medical technology, with an emphasis on boosting exports.
Beyond defence and nuclear issues, India and Russia will also review their joint counterterrorism mechanisms, which have been active since 2002.
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