Russia President Vladimir Putin India Visit To Begin Today; Defence Deal To Trade Agreement, What To Expect?

Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a two-day India visit on Thursday with a private dinner hosted by PM Narendra Modi, their first meeting in India in four years. The leaders will try to strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership, with priority on economic cooperation, defence projects and regional security issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war.

Officials expect Modi to repeat India's call for an early halt to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and for renewed dialogue and diplomacy. Putin had hosted Modi for a similar private dinner during Modi's Russia trip last year for the annual summit, underscoring the personal channel between the two leaders.

Economic focus of Vladimir Putin India visit

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said both sides plan to adopt a joint statement and sign several bilateral documents. These will span multiple sectors and include a "Program for the Development of Strategic Areas of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation until 2030", highlighting long-term trade and investment planning between the two countries.

Putin and Modi are expected to review defence ties, with Russian officials confirming that Su-57 fighter jets and the S-400 air defence system are on the agenda. Broader security cooperation will also feature, as both sides assess current projects and discuss future defence industry links and technology partnerships.

Diplomacy and trade during Vladimir Putin India visit

Modi and Putin last held a bilateral meeting on the margins of the SCO summit in Tianjin earlier this year, and have spoken by phone five times in 2024. "This visit... provides an opportunity to discuss the extensive agenda of Russian-Indian relations comprehensively. In addition to the main talks with Narendra Modi, the programme includes a visit to the Russia-India Business Forum and participation in the launch ceremony of the RT TV channel in India," Ushakov said.

Ushakov noted that economic ties will be a central theme. "In 2024, the bilateral trade turnover increased by 12%, up to $63.6 billion. We have many large-scale promising projects in various areas, including industrial cooperation, innovative technologies, transport, peaceful space exploration, mining, healthcare and labour migration progra-mmes," he said, adding both sides were strengthening cooperation in politics and security, economy and finance, transport and logistics, science and technology, education and culture.

The growing partnership can be seen in trade and diplomatic exchanges so far this year.

Later on Friday, Putin returns to Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu will hold a banquet in Putin's honour. The visit, which includes political talks, economic outreach and public diplomacy events, is scheduled to end with Putin's departure around 9.30 pm on Friday.