Russian President Vladimir Putin’s December 4–5 visit to India [Photo: X]
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in India on December 4 for a two-day visit that could reshape the future of India-Russia defence and energy ties. With global tensions rising and sanctions tightening on Moscow, both countries see this meeting as a crucial moment to protect long-term strategic interests.
The talks are expected to focus on strengthening India’s military capabilities and securing stable oil supplies, while India continues to balance its ties with the West.
On December 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin will land in India for a two-day summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit — first since the Ukraine war — comes at a tense moment globally. India aims to reinforce defence and energy ties with Russia while balancing pressure from the West.
At the heart of the talks lie potential deals that could reshape India’s air defence and fuel security.
India is expected to push for additional deliveries of the S-400 Triumf air-defence system. Three out of five squadrons under the 2018 deal have arrived; Delhi wants faster delivery of the remaining units.
Russia may also revive its offer of the Sukhoi-57 — a fifth-generation stealth fighter — as a cheaper alternative to Western jets. Moscow has reportedly told India that the Su-57 is “the best plane in the world.”
Negotiations may include the supply of surface-to-air missiles, upgrades for existing fleets, and technology transfer agreements that could allow Indian firms to co-produce parts locally.
Beyond defence, energy will be a major agenda item. India continues to import discounted Russian oil despite sanctions from the US and Europe.
New deals may revive long-term crude supply contracts with firms like Rosneft or Lukoil. The two countries may also explore deeper civil-nuclear cooperation and strategic energy investments, strengthening India’s energy security.
This summit reflects India’s attempt to maintain strategic autonomy. On one side, Russia remains a key military and energy partner. On the other hand, India faces growing pressure from the West to curb deep ties with Moscow.
With global geopolitical dynamics shifting fast, India hopes to balance its security and energy needs without alienating allies.
India may get commitments for the final two S-400 squadrons, with clearer delivery timelines. Talks on Su-57 jets could begin, but a firm order or contract is uncertain during this visit.
Oil supply and energy cooperation deals might get renewed, stabilizing fuel imports amid sanctions. Broader defence-industrial collaboration, technology transfer and logistics cooperation (like the recently ratified mutual military-logistics pact) may be strengthened.
A sweeping new contract especially for jets appears unlikely; instead, expect incremental steps and building blocks for future deals.
