Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a high-stakes two-day visit to participate in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, where he is scheduled to hold extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit, which marks Putin’s first to India in four years, underscores the enduring “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between the two nations amidst complex global geopolitical shifts.
In a rare diplomatic gesture emphasising the personal rapport between the leaders, PM Modi personally received President Putin at Palam airport. The two leaders shared a private dinner, an engagement designed to set a constructive tone for Friday’s formal summit talks by reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral ties—from legacy defence cooperation to emerging economic sectors.
The official agenda for the summit on Friday is packed, focusing on insulating bilateral trade from external sanctions pressure and deepening cooperation in critical areas. Discussions are expected to prioritise the signing of a long-term “Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation until 2030,” aiming to diversify trade beyond the heavily oil-dependent current balance, which surged to over $63 billion in 2024.
Defence cooperation remains the cornerstone of the partnership. Officials are expected to finalise key agreements, including the potential procurement of additional S-400 Triumf air-defence squadrons and progress on the joint production of advanced defence systems. Furthermore, negotiations around collaboration in civil nuclear energy, particularly the future of small modular reactors (SMRs), will feature prominently.
The summit’s outcomes are being keenly observed by Western capitals, as New Delhi continues its policy of strategic autonomy by maintaining strong ties with Moscow despite the global political climate. Putin’s visit is seen as a mutual effort to reinforce trust, ensuring the stability of vital energy and arms supply chains, and cementing Russia’s position as a key partner in India’s global strategy.
