English
English
English
Summit talks are held between India and Russia every year. So far, 22 talks have taken place between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi visited Moscow in July last year, while Putin last visited India in 2021.
Putin Lands in India for Key Diplomatic Push
New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to India begins today (Thursday). He will be on an official visit to India on December 4th and 5th. During this visit, Putin will participate in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
It should be noted that the Russian President will visit India after a gap of four years. He last visited India in 2021 to participate in the India-Russia Annual Summit. However, this visit of Putin to India is considered more significant than the previous visit.
Meeting with PM Modi and a special dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Summit talks are held between India and Russia every year. So far, 22 talks have taken place between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi visited Moscow in July last year, while Putin last visited India in 2021. Putin's visit in December 2021 lasted only a few hours. However, this time Putin will stay in India for two days. The full schedule of Putin's events for December 4th and 5th has been released.
President Putin's Event on December 4th
President Putin will arrive in New Delhi on the evening of December 4th. He will then meet with PM Modi. The two leaders will hold bilateral talks. Following this, Putin will attend a private dinner at the invitation of PM Modi.
Putin's Event on December 5th
On the second day of his visit to India, Vladimir Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Putin will then visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He will then participate in bilateral and delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House. It is worth noting that some prominent industrialists may also attend the delegation meeting.
On Friday, PM Modi and President Putin will participate in the India-Russia Business Forum. Following this, Putin will attend a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan at the invitation of President Draupadi Murmu. After this, President Putin will depart for Moscow.
Several important agreements will be signed between India and Russia
The primary objective of President Putin's visit, taking place after four years, is to prepare India for increased sales of Russian oil, missile systems, and fighter jets. This visit comes at a time when US pressure has impacted relations between the two countries in the energy and defense sectors.
This time, Putin will be accompanied by a large delegation from the industry and business world, including Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. Experts believe this visit is an opportunity to reinvigorate the special India-Russia relationship and offer hope for new defense deals.
Major deals expected in the energy and defense sectors
Officials from both countries have discussed issues such as defense, agriculture, shipping, and free trade ahead of Putin's visit. Russia also wants to expand civilian nuclear energy cooperation with India. The Russian delegation accompanying Putin includes the heads of Sberbank, the country's largest bank, and Rosoboron Export, the arms exporter.
Sberbank is expressing interest in investing in infrastructure projects in India using rupees. Russia wants India to help supply technical equipment to its oil companies, as many suppliers are unavailable due to sanctions. India may also seek to restore its 20 percent stake in Russia's Sakhalin-1 project.
India's Dependence on Russian Weapons Remains
Even though energy ties between India and Russia are weakening due to US pressure, India remains heavily dependent on Russia in the defense sector. Russia has also offered its advanced Su-57 fighter aircraft to India, which is expected to be included in the discussions during this visit. India is also considering purchasing additional units of the S-400 air defense system. Experts say that recent US-Russia talks to end the Ukraine war have made it easier for India to engage openly with Russia.
S-400 Also on the Kremlin's Agenda
Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for President Putin's office, said in a video conference with Indian journalists on Tuesday that additional sales of the S-400 long-range air defense system are on the agenda. Referring to the BrahMos missile project, Peskov said that the two countries are not just engaged in purchases, but also in the exchange of high-tech products, which is a strong foundation for future cooperation.
A nuclear energy agreement is possible between the two countries. Russia possesses advanced technology for building small and flexible nuclear reactors and is willing to share investments in this area with India. He said that Russia is already involved in the Kudankulam project and wants this cooperation to continue.
