Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 3: India and Russia are set to sign a series of agreements covering trade, health, agriculture, media, and cultural exchange during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to New Delhi on December 4–5. The visit marks the 25th year of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership and will be the 23rd bilateral summit between the two nations.
This will be Putin’s first trip to India since Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. He is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on the evening of December 4, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a private dinner at his official residence.
The state visit will formally begin on December 5 with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a tri-service guard of honour, and floral tributes at Rajghat. Putin will then attend a bilateral summit with Modi at Hyderabad House, where major announcements and MoU signings are expected, followed by media statements from both leaders.
In the afternoon, Modi and Putin will address the India–Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam, with trade and investment opportunities featuring prominently. Ahead of the visit, the Kremlin said Russia is ready to address India’s concerns over the large bilateral trade deficit. Cooperation on small modular nuclear reactors, energy supplies, and defence projects may also be discussed, alongside mechanisms to insulate bilateral trade from third-country pressures.
Advanced BrahMos variants on agenda
India and Russia are also expected to discuss the development of advanced variants of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, including lighter, air-launched versions like BrahMos NG and extended-range variants. Defence officials noted that these talks form part of broader collaboration on missile technologies, including hypersonic weapons and long-range air-to-air missiles.
The BrahMos, jointly developed by India and Russia, has been a flagship co-development project, deployed during Operation Sindoor. India is likely to clear procurement of 280 additional missiles for the S-400 air-defence system. The Navy and other services have expanded BrahMos deployments in recent years, and India has begun exports starting with the Philippines, with potential for further sales across Southeast Asia.
President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in Putin’s honour on the evening of December 5, with the Russian leader expected to depart later that night after a 30-hour visit.