NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in New Delhi late Thursday for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, his first state visit since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
The two-day summit, which will culminate in formal talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, is expected to focus on core areas of the long-standing partnership, including defence, trade, and energy cooperation.
The visit, preceded by a private dinner hosted by PM Modi, is being viewed globally as a significant geopolitical moment, with New Delhi signalling its continued commitment to strategic autonomy despite Western scrutiny.
Defence Deliverables:
Defence remains central to the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”
According to officials familiar with the matter, discussions are likely to include progress on the remaining deliveries of the S-400 Triumf air defence systems, along with possible talks on additional regiments.
In a key development ahead of the summit, Russia’s State Duma ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement, enabling the two militaries to access each other’s facilities for refuelling, repairs, and resupply during joint activities. Analysts say this could potentially expand India’s operational reach, although the scope of its practical use will depend on future implementation.
A senior defence expert noted that the talks will also cover maintenance and timely support for existing platforms, given India’s reliance on Russian-origin equipment. Discussions on advanced technologies, including the Su-57 stealth fighter jet, are expected, though no confirmation on procurement is available at this stage.
Trade and Energy:
The summit is set to feature a range of economic announcements, with multiple agreements and commercial arrangements expected to be signed, though exact numbers will only be known after the formal talks conclude.
A major priority for India is addressing the widening trade imbalance driven by large-scale Russian oil imports. Both sides are working on a “Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation until 2030,” which aims to increase Indian exports such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, and agricultural goods.
Energy will remain a key pillar, with long-term crude supply arrangements and expanded civil nuclear cooperation on the agenda. Officials have indicated that collaboration on projects like Kudankulam may advance further, and discussions on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could also feature, although no final decisions have been announced.
Another area of focus is the creation of a more stable payment mechanism for bilateral trade, possibly through systems less exposed to sanctions risk.
Geopolitical Aspects:
Putin’s visit, his first to India since the Ukraine war, carries significant geopolitical weight.
For Moscow, the trip underscores that its international engagement continues despite Western attempts at isolation. India, as a major economic and security partner, remains vital to Russia’s global outreach.
For New Delhi, the summit represents a reaffirmation of its multipolar worldview. Even as India deepens cooperation with the United States and its allies, it maintains longstanding ties with Russia based on strategic and defence imperatives.
A diplomatic official noted that India’s approach reflects a foreign policy driven by national interests rather than external pressures.
The formal summit discussions and the agreements to be signed on Friday will define the next phase of this historic partnership.
About the Author
