Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to New Delhi is being framed by analysts as economically and strategically significant, with opening the Russian market to Indian exporters emerging as a central priority. The trip follows Prime Minister Modi’s 2024 visit and is expected to build on the agendas set earlier this year amid a shifting global environment.
Lydia Kulik, head of India Studies at the Moscow School of Management, described the visit as both symbolic and substantive. She said the immediate focus is facilitating greater access for Indian businesses to the Russian market, while the talks will also cover political issues, new defence and military cooperation agreements, and candid exchanges on global developments.
Shishir Priyadarshi, president of the Chintan Research Foundation, said the timing is important for India’s global economic positioning. He noted that India and Russia’s 70-year relationship remains close and resilient, but faces new pressures: Russia’s strained ties with Europe and sanctions on the one hand, and international scrutiny of India’s Russia ties on the other. Priyadarshi highlighted strong links in defence and energy and urged measures to reduce India’s trade deficit with Russia and to shift defence imports toward domestic manufacturing.
At a CRF panel discussion, experts from government, academia, industry, media and the private sector characterized the India-Russia partnership as exemplary, predictable and stable, noting it has withstood recent global uncertainties. Participants emphasized that the relationship rests on mutual respect, strategic convergence and recognition of core interests.
Putin’s trip is his first visit to India in four years and his first since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022. He arrived in New Delhi on Thursday and will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remaining in the city through December 5. Observers say the outcomes of the summit could shape trade, defence collaboration and broader bilateral ties in the months ahead.
