Experts say the Modi-Putin meeting on December 4–5 will help India secure long-term clarity on defence supplies and energy flows, while opening space for cooperation in labour mobility, transportation, pharmaceuticals, and space. They expect both nations to reinforce their strategic partnership despite external pressure, particularly from the United States.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India for the first time since December 2021; the visit also marks the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Nikita Mendkovich, Director of the Eurasian Analytical Club, said the two states should decide their ties independently: “We are two independent states; it is our business how to keep our ties strong and how to cooperate. That’s why we should ignore the American position.” He expects discussions on economic issues, defence, and other areas for bilateral collaboration, and urged strengthening trade and building new transport routes.
Amitabh Singh, Associate Professor at JNU CRCAS, highlighted defence as a key priority. He noted India’s long-standing reliance on Russian defence hardware and support, with about 70% of Indian military hardware dependent on Russian supply. Continuation of defence collaboration is therefore crucial. India is expected to follow up on the S-400 missile batteries deal and explore options for the newer-generation S-500 systems.
Energy will also be high on the agenda. Singh said India wants to clarify confusion around oil imports affected by sanctions on Russian firms: “India would like to do away with the confusion that has prevailed—that it was not India but the sanctions imposed on Indian companies that led to the decline in the volumes of oil we were importing.”
Beyond defence and energy, the summit is likely to cover labour mobility and industrial cooperation. India may push for a labour mobility pact to allow skilled workers greater access to Russian markets, addressing workforce shortages after the COVID‑19 pandemic and amid the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Mendkovich pointed to opportunities in transportation, pharmaceuticals, and space exploration, underscoring a broad bilateral agenda.
The summit takes place amid rising global tensions and U.S. pressure for India to scale back ties with Moscow, but experts think both countries will prioritise their longstanding partnership, which has included cooperation in international forums and strategic initiatives. President Droupadi Murmu will host a banquet for Putin, who will hold talks with Prime Minister Modi to review bilateral progress. Ahead of the summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Putin’s aide Nikolai Patrushev held preparatory meetings, signalling the event’s significance.
