Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to travel to India next month to finalise the finer details of the presidential trip. President Putin last visited New Delhi in 2021.
Sources have revealed that the two sides are also expected to hold a meeting under the framework of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) before Putin’s arrival.
At the India-Russia annual summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin are anticipated to discuss further expanding the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between the two nations. While official dates for Putin’s trip have not been announced, the focus of their talks is expected to include deepening cooperation in areas such as defence and security, trade, and energy.
India and Russia maintain a long-standing mechanism whereby the Indian Prime Minister and the Russian President hold annual summit meetings to review the entire gamut of bilateral ties. To date, 22 annual summits have taken place alternately in India and Russia. In July last year, PM Modi travelled to Moscow for the annual summit.
Russia has been a time-tested partner for India and remains a key pillar of New Delhi’s foreign policy. Reports indicate that India may look to procure additional batches of S-400 air defence missile systems from Russia, following the systems’ significant role during Operation Sindoor.
In October 2018, India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to purchase five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, despite warnings from the Trump administration that proceeding with the contract could invite U.S. sanctions. Russia has already supplied three of the five S-400 regiments ordered by India, with the remaining two expected to be delivered in 2026. However, the delivery schedule has been delayed due to Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.
About a month ago, PM Modi and President Putin held talks on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin, China. During these discussions, both leaders vowed to strengthen their strategic ties.
The Modi-Putin meeting occurred just days after the United States doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a staggering 50 percent, including an additional 25 percent duty specifically targeting India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. India has defended its procurement of Russian crude oil, maintaining that its energy purchases are driven by national interest and market dynamics.
In his televised opening remarks at the meeting, PM Modi conveyed to President Putin that 1.4 billion Indians are eagerly awaiting his visit in December. “This is a reflection of the depth and scope of our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. India and Russia have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder even in the most difficult situations,” Modi stated.
He further emphasised that close cooperation between the two countries is crucial not only for the people of both nations but also for global peace, stability, and prosperity.
In their upcoming summit talks, the two leaders are also expected to deliberate on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, among other pressing issues.
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