Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Friday on the occasion of the 23rd annual India-Russia Summit.
Putin arrived on Thursday for his first visit to India since 2021, as New Delhi negotiates with the US to ease punitive tariffs related to its purchases of discounted Russian oil.
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The summit comes amid heightened scrutiny from the US and Europe over India’s continued engagement with Moscow. Discussions will focus on strengthening the long-term strategic partnership, even as Western sanctions reshape Russia’s global efforts.
The Russian leader is on his first visit to India in four years as New Delhi negotiates a trade deal with the US to reduce President Donald Trump’s punitive tariffs on its goods due to Indian Russian oil buying.
Putin last visited India in December 2021, just a few months before the Russian military invaded Ukraine. The Russian president will attend the 23rd edition India-Russia Summit today.
With India under pressure from the US and Europe over its ties with Russia, the talks between President Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be closely watched.
Summit by Reutersaims to boost trade with Russia’s biggest arms and naval oil buyer as Western sanctions strain their decades-old ties. Both sides will also focus on trade and economic ties, and negotiations are underway on a possible free trade agreement with member states Eurasian Economic Unionreports said.
PM Modi and President Putin will also discuss defense ties, new acquisitions – including additional S-400 missile systems and the latest Sukhoi aircraft – as well as expanded access for Indian goods, from perishables such as fruits and vegetables to pharmaceuticals, in the Russian market. The process of ensuring the safe return of Indian citizens enlisted in the Russian army will also be discussed.
Schedule of Putin’s visits to India on the 2nd
11:00 am: Gala reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan
11.30 am: Wreath-laying at Rajghat
11:50 AM: Meeting PM Modi at Hyderabad House
1:50 pm: Press statements at Hyderabad House
07:00 PM: Meeting with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan
9:00 PM: Depart Delhi
The 2030 Agenda
Putin, Modi likely to unveil declaration on development of India-Russia strategic areas of economic cooperation by 2030, report says Indian Express. The two leaders are expected to conclude an agreement on labor mobility and join forces on Arctic shipbuilding, the report said.
The two leaders met for a private dinner at Prime Minister Modi’s Lok Kalyan Marg residence on Thursday. In a gesture indicative of special India-Russia ties, Prime Minister Modi received President Putin at the Palam airport and both traveled to the Prime Minister’s residence in the same car.
Moscow is a major arms supplier to India
Moscow has been India’s top arms supplier for decades and has said it aims to import more Indian goods in a bid to boost trade to $100 billion by 2030, which has so far been skewed in its favor due to New Delhi’s energy imports.
Modi and Putin are also expected to discuss other topics, including labor and civic nuclear energywith the parties expected to announce new deals that will demonstrate the resilience of their relationship.
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While global competition will be discussed during the meeting, the two leaders are likely to focus on bilateral issues, including trade, defense, technology, nuclear energy and labor mobility.
Some reports indicated that the two nations are also discussing various defense projects, such as the S-400 air defense system and the latest version of the Sukhoi-57 fighter jet. There is a demand for visa-free entry for Indian tourists to Russia. This problem can also occur during discussions.
Moscow has been India’s biggest arms supplier for decades and has said it intends to import more Indian goods in a bid to boost trade to $100 billion by 2030.
Achieved bilateral trade between India and Russia $68.7 billion in fiscal year 2024-25.
A joint statement is likely to be adopted and several bilateral documents are expected to be signed and adopted in a wide range of areas.
Key things
- The summit aims to strengthen India-Russia economic ties amid global tensions.
- Key negotiations will include defense acquisitions, trade deals and labor mobility.
- The 2030 plan means a long-term commitment to bilateral cooperation.
