India Prepares to Welcome Putin for First Visit Since Ukraine Invasion

India is set to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday evening for the 23rd India–Russia annual summit—his first visit to the country since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Over the two-day trip, Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will focus on strengthening defence cooperation, expanding trade, and advancing energy partnerships.

Putin’s agenda includes a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu and a private dinner hosted by Modi shortly after his arrival. According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, the leaders will also explore “promising projects” across industrial cooperation, advanced technologies, transport, peaceful space exploration, mining, healthcare, and labour migration. Ushakov emphasised that political dialogue between the two countries remains “regular and confidential.”

The visit carries added importance as it comes just months after the US imposed 50% tariffs on several categories of Indian imports.

Key Focus Areas for the Modi–Putin Talks (Dec 4–5)

• Defence:
  Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that discussions may include potential supplies of Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, which India is seeking to acquire.

• Business & Media Cooperation:
  Putin will attend the Russia–India Business Forum and participate in the launch ceremony of the RT TV channel in India.

• Energy & Oil Trade:
  Oil purchases will be a major topic, with India attempting to maintain access to discounted Russian crude while avoiding the risk of US sanctions, Bloomberg reported.

• Trade Expansion:
  Modi and Putin are expected to explore raising bilateral trade from $68 billion to $100 billion by 2030 and strengthening mechanisms for settling payments in local currencies.

• Sanctions Shielding:
  Both sides will discuss ways to protect bilateral economic engagement from US-led sanctions.

• Civil Nuclear Cooperation:
  Russia may offer small modular nuclear reactors as part of expanding energy collaboration.

• Labour Mobility & Agreements:
  The summit may see the signing of agreements, including one aimed at easing the movement of Indian workers to Russia. Talks may also cover India’s proposed free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.