Putin Lands in Delhi: Strengthening Defence and Trade During India-Russia Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in New Delhi on Thursday, December 4, for a pivotal two-day visit to India, culminating in annual summit discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, December 5. This event marks Putin's initial journey to India since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, showcasing the robust strategic alliance between the nations.

The upcoming summit aims to enhance defense collaboration, shield bilateral trade from U.S. sanctions, and delve into partnerships in the nuclear energy sector, which includes proposals for small modular reactors. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov noted that Russia plans to leverage this dialogue to protect its trade relations with India against American restrictions. Furthermore, the Russian Parliament's approval of a significant defense agreement with New Delhi underscores the enduring military cooperation.

Officials highlight that this visit gives India a platform to affirm its strategic autonomy. Despite external pressures, notably from the U.S. to limit Russian energy and military acquisitions, India is committed to preserving its strong economic and defense ties with Moscow.

In recent developments, India and Russia finalized an agreement facilitating the movement of skilled and semi-skilled labor. Talks regarding a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union—a five-member bloc that includes Russia—are also progressing, aiming to alleviate India's concerns about tariff and non-tariff challenges.

Enhancing the partnership further, Russia’s State Duma recently ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) deal, initially signed on February 18, with Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin emphasizing its significance as a crucial step for mutual growth in India-Russia relations and the strategic depth of their alliance.

As the summit approaches, expectations are high for advancements in defense, economic, and energy collaboration, navigating the hurdles posed by international sanctions and reaffirming the resilience and strategic underpinnings of the India-Russia relationship.