Putin Visit Day 2: Defence Deals, Energy Concerns and Trade Hurdles After Warm Delhi Welcome

New Delhi, Dec 05 : India and Russia are gearing up for an intensive Friday as President Vladimir Putin begins a packed schedule that will shape the outcomes of the 23rd annual bilateral summit. A ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 11 am will kickstart the day, followed by a visit to Raj Ghat, summit talks at Hyderabad House, an industry interaction, and a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu before Putin departs for Moscow at 9 pm.

Ceremonial welcome and core summit talks

After receiving the traditional guard of honour and paying homage at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, the Russian leader will join Prime Minister Narendra Modi for restricted and delegation level discussions at Hyderabad House. The summit is expected to deliver agreements spanning defence, labour mobility, logistics, and trade outcomes closely watched as the meetings unfold amid a chill in India–US ties and renewed Western pressure on Russian energy flows.

A joint business event organised by FICCI and Roscongress at Bharat Mandapam is also scheduled. Putin’s visit will conclude with a formal banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A major agenda item will be insulating bilateral trade from external shocks, narrowing India’s widening trade deficit driven largely by crude oil and accelerating defence cooperation, including progress on the S-400 system, small modular reactors and new military platforms.

Warm optics set the tone for a consequential Friday

Putin’s arrival in Delhi on Thursday was marked by unusually warm gestures. PM Modi personally received him at Palam airport—a courtesy extended to only a select few global leaders. The two then travelled together to the PM’s official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, lit up with flags and floral décor for the visit. A cultural welcome at the tarmac highlighted the importance New Delhi places on Putin’s first India trip in four years.

The Prime Minister later hosted a private dinner, with conversations believed to have laid the groundwork for Friday’s substantive outcomes. PM Modi also emphasised the personal rapport between the two leaders on X, calling Putin a “friend” and expressing eagerness for discussions.

Gita gift reflects cultural diplomacy

In a symbolic gesture, PM Modi presented a Russian-language edition of the Bhagavad Gita to the Russian President on Thursday night, underscoring the cultural warmth underpinning the strategic partnership.

Defence ties: S-400, Su-57 and logistics pact on the table

The summit follows extensive defence talks between the two countries’ ministers. Discussions featured India’s plans for additional S-400 units systems that proved crucial during Operation Sindoor. The original 2018 deal for five units was signed despite Washington’s CAATSA sanctions threats.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has indicated that talks may also cover potential supply of Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, a category India is currently evaluating alongside the Rafale, F-21, F/A-18 and Eurofighter.

A logistics support pact, part of a broader defence cooperation framework, is likely to be finalised.

Trade imbalance and oil pressure as US sanctions loom

India is expected to push for solutions to its steep trade imbalance imports from Russia remain around USD 65 billion, compared to about USD 5 billion in Indian exports. Vulnerable sectors such as fertilisers, where Russia supplies 3–4 million tonnes annually, are a key concern.

Talks will also examine the effects of new US sanctions on Russian oil companies. India’s imports of Russian crude have dipped, though Moscow is reportedly offering deeper discounts to stabilise supplies. This comes amid rising tensions with Washington, which recently imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods and added duties linked to India’s Russian oil purchases straining ties to their lowest point in two decades.

Peskov said the temporary dip in India’s oil intake was understandable but stressed that Russia is working to maintain reliable supplies.

Ukraine update expected; India sticks to diplomacy

Putin is expected to brief PM Modi on the Ukraine conflict. India continues to maintain that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths to peace.

Trade expansion: pharma, agro and consumer goods in focus

Officials say Indian exports to Russia could see expansion in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and consumer goods, alongside renewed interest in a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.

The annual summit tradition now in its 23rd edition remains a cornerstone of the India–Russia partnership. The last summit in India was held in 2021, while PM Modi visited Moscow in July 2024.