Putin's Diplomatic Mission: Strengthening Defence and Trade in Delhi

On Thursday, December 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in New Delhi for a crucial two-day visit aimed at reinforcing India-Russia ties. The annual summit will formally take place with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, December 5, marking Putin's first trip to India since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine.

Key topics of discussion will include enhancing defence partnerships, shielding bilateral trade from US sanctions, and joint initiatives in nuclear energy, particularly concerning small modular reactors. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov confirmed that the discussions are intended to protect India-Russia commercial exchanges from potential restrictions placed by the United States. Additionally, Russian lawmakers have green-lighted a significant defence agreement with India, signaling a durable military alliance.

The visit allows India to assert its position on strategic autonomy, especially as it faces demands from the US to limit imports of Russian energy and military gear. India aims to uphold its solid economic and military connections with Russia.

Recent agreements include provisions for the movement of skilled workers, along with ongoing talks regarding a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union—a five-nation bloc that includes Russia—designed to tackle tariff barriers and promote fluid trade.

In a notable advancement, Russia's State Duma recently ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement, underscoring commitment in India-Russia relations as per Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the State Duma. The ratification serves as a pivotal step in enhancing reciprocal cooperation and further solidifying the strategic partnership.

This upcoming summit is poised to enhance military, economic, and energy collaboration while addressing the challenges brought on by international sanctions, reaffirming the robustness and strategic importance of India-Russia ties.