Report by Ayushi Agarwal
New Delhi, December 2 — Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov says President Vladimir Putin’s forthcoming visit to India represents a return to annual high-level summits and a significant step toward deepening the bilateral strategic partnership.
In an interview with ANI, Manturov described the December 4–5 trip as the first visit by Putin to India in several years and said officials on both sides have prepared a dense agenda aimed at producing concrete results. He said the meetings are intended to restore the practice of regular summit-level engagement and to inject fresh momentum into cooperation across multiple sectors.
Coinciding with the presidential visit, the India-Russia Forum will convene in New Delhi, bringing together senior government officials and business leaders from both countries. Manturov said the forum’s agenda emphasizes expanding and diversifying bilateral trade, with particular attention to increasing Indian exports of equipment, raw materials and foodstuffs to Russia.
He highlighted planned discussions on deeper industrial collaboration, the implementation of joint investment projects, closer ties in high-technology areas, and greater cooperation on both applied and fundamental scientific research. Manturov described the forum as a platform for direct business-to-business engagement intended to accelerate commercial partnerships and boost mutual trade.
Looking further ahead, Manturov said Moscow expects the India-Russia relationship to remain resilient and dynamic over the next decade, rooted in long-standing friendship even as it adapts to changing global conditions. He predicted that cooperation will move toward higher-value activity, with a growing focus on hi-tech industries and scientific achievements.
On the global stage, Manturov suggested that stronger ties between Russia and India will help amplify the voice and influence of emerging economies and the Global South.
President Putin will make a state visit to India on December 4–5 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The schedule includes the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, bilateral talks with PM Modi, and formal reception events hosted by India’s President. The trip will provide an opportunity for both sides to review progress, set a vision for the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” and exchange views on regional and global developments.
This will be Putin’s first visit to India since 2021; the two leaders last met in person on September 1 this year in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Manturov expressed confidence that the summit, the accompanying forum and ongoing initiatives will deepen cooperation and open new avenues for joint work in trade, industry and technology.
