Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India on December 4-5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, marking his first diplomatic trip to India since the Ukraine conflict began. This visit is significant as it comes amid ongoing discussions about India's energy imports from Russia and the geopolitical pressures from the United States.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that the focus of the discussions will primarily be on economic cooperation rather than broader geopolitical issues. Officials highlighted the growth in bilateral trade, with key agreements on skilled manpower and the initiation of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Eurasian countries. This FTA aims to enhance Indian exports in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.

Putin emphasized the importance of elevating cooperation with India and China during an investment forum in Moscow. He stated, "We aim to elevate cooperation with the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of India to a qualitatively new level by strengthening its technological component."

Energy cooperation is a central theme of the visit, as Russia has become India's largest crude oil supplier, accounting for 30-35% of India's total oil imports. The financial dynamics of this relationship have shifted significantly, with India's expenditure on Russian oil rising from $2.3 billion in 2021 to $52.7 billion in 2024. Payment methods have also adapted, with transactions increasingly conducted in UAE dirhams, rupees, and yuan due to sanctions on Russia.

Defence cooperation remains a critical aspect of the India-Russia relationship, with approximately 60-70% of India's military equipment sourced from Russia. Discussions during the summit are expected to include the delivery of S-400 missile systems and potential agreements on the Su-57 stealth fighter. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that the sale of additional S-400 missiles could be on the agenda, highlighting the ongoing collaboration in defence technology.

The visit is also anticipated to address nuclear energy cooperation, with discussions on small reactor technology and the continuation of projects like Kudankulam. Peskov mentioned, "We were deeply involved in creating a sector of peaceful nuclear energy in India, and we hope for the continuation of this project."

Overall, Putin's visit is seen as a crucial opportunity for India to strengthen its economic ties with Russia while navigating the complexities of international relations, particularly with the United States. The outcomes of this summit could significantly impact India's energy security and defence capabilities in the coming years.