Putin Set for December Visit to India for Key Bilateral Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive in India on December 5–6, 2023, for the 23rd annual India-Russia bilateral summit. Sources familiar with the preparations indicate that while neither New Delhi nor Moscow has officially confirmed the visit, discussions are ongoing to finalize a comprehensive agenda. This marks Putin’s first trip to India since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022; his last visit occurred in 2021.

The upcoming summit reflects the deepening strategic ties between the two nations, particularly in light of recent developments such as the imposition of punitive tariffs by the United States on India due to its continued imports of Russian crude oil. The meeting presents a significant opportunity for both countries to evaluate their evolving relationship amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Strengthening Economic Engagement

According to insiders, the summit will focus on enhancing economic engagement and reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and Russia. Bilateral trade reached a record $68.7 billion in the fiscal year 2024–25, largely driven by India’s imports of discounted Russian oil. In contrast, India’s exports to Russia remain relatively modest at $4.88 billion, which highlights the existing trade imbalance. Addressing this disparity is anticipated to be a crucial topic during the discussions.

“A key focus area will be bridging the trade deficit,” noted one source involved in the planning. The outcome of these discussions could shape future economic policies and collaborations between the two nations.

Another notable aspect of Putin’s visit includes the potential launch of the Indian edition of Russia’s state-backed broadcaster RT, which aligns with broader efforts to enhance media relations and information exchange between the countries.

Upcoming Diplomacy and Meetings

In preparation for the summit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to visit India in November, while Defence Minister Andrey Belousov will take part in the Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation later this month. These meetings underscore the importance of ongoing diplomatic dialogues in strengthening bilateral relations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended last year’s summit in Russia and has maintained regular communication with Putin. The two leaders last convened on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in September, where they reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a robust strategic partnership.

As preparations for the summit continue, both nations appear poised to explore new avenues for collaboration, with an eye towards navigating the complex international landscape.