Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India on December 5-6 for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, marking his first trip to the country since the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. This high-level meeting will review the two nations’ Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership across key sectors, including trade, energy, and joint defence manufacturing.
Significantly, President Putin has instructed his government to increase imports from India, particularly in agricultural products and medicines, to address the substantial trade imbalance caused by India's soaring energy imports from Russia.
Speaking at the Valdai plenary session, Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "balanced, wise," and "nationally oriented leader" with whom he shares a "trustworthy" relationship. He expressed confidence that India would continue its energy imports, asserting that the Indian people and PM Modi would "never allow itself to be humiliated" by US coercion or penalties regarding trade decisions. The upcoming summit presents a key opportunity to deepen ties. Russia's Deputy Ambassador noted that Russia is uniquely placed to offer India sophisticated weaponry, such as 5th generation fighter jets and licensed production, further strengthening their defence pillar.