The upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Delhi on December 5th marks a significant moment for international relations. This 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit occurs amidst considerable global scrutiny and pressure from the United States, which has sought to influence India’s long-standing strategic partnership with Moscow. However, India has remained steadfast in its commitment to this alliance, demonstrating its policy of strategic autonomy. The summit is anticipated to yield major agreements that will further strengthen bilateral ties across various domains. Both countries are focused on escalating their trade volume, with an ambitious goal of reaching USD 100 billion by 2030, building upon their current trade worth USD 68.7 billion. A key area of discussion will be defence modernization, with prospects for India to acquire advanced Russian military technology. Talks are expected to cover fifth-generation fighter jets and air defence systems, potentially including manufacturing capabilities within India. Economic collaboration is also set to expand, with potential investments in the Arctic and the groundbreaking Vladivostok-Chennai maritime route, a project designed to create a direct sea link between Russia’s Far East and Southern India. Additionally, a significant agreement is poised to facilitate the employment of around 70,000 Indian workers in Russia, showcasing a tangible benefit of the bilateral relationship. Putin’s visit underscores the resilience of the India-Russia partnership and its growing importance on the global stage.
