India-Russia relations in focus: Putin visits India December 4-5

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin will attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. During the visit, he will also meet President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a banquet in his honour.

The last meeting between Putin and Modi took place during the SCO Summit in China in September, where the two leaders held a long conversation during an impromptu car ride.

The visit comes as India asserts its independent foreign policy, balancing global partnerships while deepening engagement with its all-weather partner Russia.

Key areas of discussion

• Defense cooperation: Potential deals for fighter jets, missiles, and joint exercises.
• Energy security: Long-term agreements on crude oil, natural gas, and nuclear fuel imports.
• Geopolitics: Coordination on regional stability, BRICS, and global forums amid Western sanctions on Russia.
• Economic collaboration: Trade, technology transfer, and infrastructure investment opportunities.

Analysts say the visit underscores India-Russia relations as a pillar of stability in Asia, while sending signals to global powers about India’s strategic autonomy.

The visit also comes amid the US’ 25% tariff on Indian goods, imposed as a response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The additional tariff is intended to discourage India from buying oil from Russia, highlighting the complex geopolitics surrounding the summit.