Putin Set to Visit India on December 5-6 for Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India on December 5-6 for a crucial summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit comes at a time when India-Russia relations are strengthening, particularly in light of recent US tariffs imposed on India for its purchase of Russian oil.

Ahead of Putin's arrival, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected to visit India to prepare for the summit and discuss various bilateral issues. Lavrov announced this during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations.

The agenda for the summit is expected to focus heavily on defence cooperation. A key topic will be Russia's offer to involve India in its Su-57 fighter jet programme, a state-of-the-art fifth-generation stealth aircraft. A source from the Russian government indicated that Moscow aims to make India a significant partner in this project, not just as a buyer but also in potential co-production.

Additionally, discussions will likely cover the final deliveries of the S-400 Triumf missile system, which has already been contracted and partially delivered to India. Russia is also expected to introduce its next-generation S-500 defence system, capable of intercepting hypersonic weapons and targeting hostile aircraft.

Lavrov has emphasized that Russia respects India's foreign policy and its right to make independent trade decisions, particularly regarding oil imports from Russia. He stated that the US tariffs would not impact the strong ties between India and Russia, and he praised India's approach to foreign relations, asserting that tensions with other countries should not affect the India-Russia partnership.

Putin's visit is seen as a significant opportunity to reinforce the long-standing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow, especially amid the complex global dynamics influenced by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and US sanctions on Russia. The summit is anticipated to open new avenues for cooperation in various sectors, showcasing India's strategic autonomy in balancing its relations with both Russia and the US.