Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding summit talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to boost trade and defense ties. The two nations aim to expand bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030 amid growing pressure from the United States. This marks Putin's first visit to India in four years.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at an airport near New Delhi on December 4, where he was greeted with a hug and handshake by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi hosted Putin for a private dinner at his residence that evening. On December 5, the two leaders held the 23rd India-Russia Summit to discuss economic cooperation in defense, energy, and skilled labor mobility.
Bilateral trade reached $68.7 billion in the last fiscal year, but it is skewed with India's exports at just $4.88 billion against $63.84 billion in imports, largely due to Russian crude oil. Moscow seeks to import more Indian goods to balance trade and reach $100 billion by 2030. In an interview, Putin stated, “India is a great power, not a British colony. And everyone will have to accept that,” while calling Modi a friend.
Russia remains India's largest supplier of military hardware. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met counterpart Rajnath Singh, stating that “the Russian defence industry is ready to support India towards becoming self-reliant in the field of defence production.” India is pushing for faster delivery of two more S-400 surface-to-air missile systems under a 2018 $5.4 billion deal, having received three; the system proved effective in a May standoff with Pakistan.
The visit occurs amid U.S. pressure over the Ukraine war. President Trump imposed 25% additional tariffs on Indian imports in August, raising totals to 50%, in retaliation for Russian oil purchases. India defends the imports as essential for its 1.4 billion people's energy needs and says it abides by international sanctions. Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, noted that “the summit would offer opportunities for India and Russia to reaffirm their relationship amid intense pressure from Trump.”
Putin had discussed a possible Ukraine peace deal with Trump's envoys the day before but reached no compromise. India has resisted condemning Russia and calls for peace through dialogue.