Russian President Putin set to visit India in early December

Ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s anticipated visit to India, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to travel to New Delhi next month to finalise the finer details of the presidential trip. President Putin last visited New Delhi in 2021.

Sources have revealed that the two countries are also expected to hold a meeting under the framework of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) before Putin’s arrival.

At the upcoming India-Russia annual summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin are expected to discuss further expanding the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” that defines the bilateral relationship between the two nations. However, official dates for Putin’s visit have not yet been announced.

The focus of their talks is likely to centre on deepening cooperation in key areas such as defence and security, trade, and energy, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

India and Russia have established a practice of holding annual summit meetings, where the Prime Minister of India and the Russian President review the full spectrum of bilateral ties. To date, 22 such summits have taken place alternately in India and Russia. Last July, PM Modi travelled to Moscow for the annual summit.

Russia has long been a trusted partner for India and remains a key pillar of New Delhi’s foreign policy. It is reported that India may seek to procure additional batches of the S-400 air defence missile systems from Russia, following the significant role these weapons played during Operation Sindoor.

In October 2018, India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to acquire five units of the S-400 system, despite warnings from the Trump administration that proceeding with the contract could invite US sanctions. So far, Russia has delivered three of the five S-400 regiments ordered by India, with the remaining two expected to be delivered by 2026. The delivery schedule has been delayed due to Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Just a month ago, PM Modi and President Putin held talks on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin, China. During these discussions, both leaders committed to strengthening their strategic ties.

The Modi-Putin meeting came shortly after the US doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, including an additional 25% duty specifically targeting India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. India has defended its procurement of Russian crude, stating that its energy decisions are driven by national interests and market dynamics.

In his televised opening remarks during the SCO meeting, PM Modi expressed warm anticipation for Putin’s visit, saying, “140 crore Indians are eagerly waiting to welcome him in India in December.” Modi highlighted that this enthusiasm reflects the depth and scope of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

He further emphasized that India and Russia have consistently stood shoulder-to-shoulder, even during the most challenging times. Close cooperation between the two nations, Modi noted, is vital not only for their own people but also for global peace, stability, and prosperity.

During their upcoming summit talks, the two leaders are also expected to deliberate on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, among other pressing international and bilateral issues.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/russian-president-putin-set-to-visit-india-in-early-december-23596836

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