New Delhi, 4 Dec

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a private dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, hours after he lands in New Delhi to further expand a nearly eight-decade partnership that has remained steadfast despite a fractious geopolitical environment and tensions.

Boosting defence ties, insulating India–Russia trade from external pressure and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors are set to be the focus of the summit meeting between Modi and Putin on Friday, a meeting expected to be closely watched by Western capitals.

Putin’s nearly 27-hour visit has assumed greater significance as it comes amid a rapid downturn in India–US relations.

Following the 23rd India–Russia summit, the two sides are expected to seal several agreements, including in trade.

As the Russian leader visits India amid renewed US efforts to end the war in Ukraine, the issue is likely to figure prominently at the summit.

Putin is expected to arrive in New Delhi at around 6.35pm on Thursday. Hours later, Modi will host him for a private dinner, reciprocating a similar gesture extended to the Indian prime minister during his visit to Moscow in July last year.

On Friday, Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan before the summit. Modi will also host a working lunch for the Russian leader and his delegation at Hyderabad House, the venue for the talks.

Putin will also visit Rajghat in the morning, according to people familiar with the matter.

After the summit, he is set to launch the new India channel of a Russian state-run broadcaster, before attending a state banquet hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu.

The Russian leader is expected to depart India at around 9pm on Friday.

In the talks, New Delhi is expected to push for addressing the widening trade deficit caused by India’s procurement of large volumes of Russian crude oil.

Putin’s trip coincides with what is considered the worst phase in India–US relations in two decades, after Washington imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent levy linked to New Delhi’s procurement of Russian crude oil.

The impact of US sanctions on crude procurement is likely to be discussed at the summit.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that India’s crude purchases may decline “for a brief period” due to Western sanctions, but added that Moscow is taking steps to enhance supplies.

At the summit, Putin is expected to brief Modi on the latest US efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. India has consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward.

Following the Modi–Putin talks, several agreements are expected to be signed, including on the movement of Indian workers to Russia and logistical support under a broader defence cooperation framework.

Indian exports to Russia are expected to increase significantly in pharma, agriculture, food products and consumer goods, officials said, as New Delhi seeks to address a ballooning trade imbalance. India imports around USD 65 billion worth of goods and services from Russia annually, while Russian imports from India amount to around USD 5 billion. India is also looking to boost cooperation in fertilisers, with Russia supplying three to four million tonnes annually.

The two sides are also likely to discuss India’s proposed free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.

Ahead of the summit, the defence ministers of both countries will meet on Thursday, with discussions likely to focus on India’s plan to procure additional batches of S-400 missile systems and other critical military hardware.

Military officials said the S-400 systems proved highly effective during Operation Sindoor. The broader focus will be on expediting the supply of military hardware and strengthening defence ties.

In October 2018, India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400, despite a warning from the US that the move could attract sanctions under CAATSA.

Peskov also indicated that the possibility of Russia supplying Su-57 fighter jets may be discussed. India is currently evaluating fifth-generation fighter jets, with the Rafale, F-21, F/A-18 and Eurofighter Typhoon as main contenders.

Ways to strengthen bilateral energy ties are also expected to figure prominently. Russia has offered additional discounts on crude oil purchases following a decline in India’s imports in recent weeks due to new US sanctions on two Russian oil producers.

India and Russia hold an annual summit to review the full spectrum of ties. So far, 22 such summits have taken place alternately in both countries. Putin last visited New Delhi in 2021. Modi travelled to Moscow for the annual summit in July last year.

Russia has been a time-tested partner for India and remains a key pillar of New Delhi’s foreign policy.