New Delhi — Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday underscored the significance of India’s relationship with Russia as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepared to visit New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Tharoor described the visit as “very important” and stressed that India’s policy of strategic autonomy requires preserving negotiating space with major powers, including the United States, China and Russia. He said India must maintain independent ties and not subordinate its autonomy to another country’s interests, noting that the India–Russia relationship is long-standing, serious and strong.
President Putin is due in India from December 4–5 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Moscow on Tuesday, Putin told an investment forum that Moscow seeks to raise cooperation with both China and India to a new level by strengthening its technological component. He cited joint projects across energy, industry, space, agriculture and other sectors as central to that goal.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said discussions during the visit could include the potential sale of additional S-400 long-range air defence systems and the possibility of India acquiring Su-57 fifth-generation fighters. Peskov highlighted ongoing defence-industrial cooperation such as the BrahMos missile programme, describing it not merely as trade but as an exchange of high technology that lays the groundwork for future joint systems. He added that Russia’s defence industry remains capable and ready to share experience with Indian partners.
Peskov also indicated that a nuclear energy agreement between the two countries could be among items discussed during the summit.
This report draws on a syndicated news feed and was published as received; the publisher disclaims responsibility for independent verification of its accuracy.
