Putin to Visit India for 23rd Annual India–Russia Summit

Context:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India on December 4 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, to be held with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• The visit comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics following Russia’s actions in Ukraine and aims to reinforce the India–Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

Key Highlights:

Summit-Level Engagement

• The summit will review bilateral relations, the strategic partnership, and key regional and global developments.

• Discussions are expected across trade, defence, energy, science & technology, civil nuclear cooperation, culture, and humanitarian ties.

Trade and Economic Concerns

• India is likely to raise concerns over the widening trade deficit, primarily driven by increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil.

• The imbalance highlights the need to diversify Indian exports to Russia and explore rupee–ruble trade mechanisms and investment cooperation.

Defence Cooperation Agenda

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold talks with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov.

• Key defence issues include:

  • Delivery of remaining S-400 air defence systems

  • Possible acquisition of additional S-400 units

  • Exploratory discussions on the advanced S-500 air defence system

Strategic Security Dimension

• The S-400 system is central to Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a decade-long initiative to strengthen India’s national air defence architecture.

• Potential interest in the S-500 reflects India’s focus on next-generation missile defence capabilities amid evolving threat environments.

Geopolitical Context

• The summit seeks to maintain strategic engagement despite global polarization post-Ukraine conflict (February 2022).

• India continues its policy of strategic autonomy, balancing relations with Russia while engaging the West.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Sustaining India–Russia ties amid global geopolitical shifts.

• Key Framework: Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

• Trade Aspect: Rising trade deficit due to crude oil imports.

• Defence Systems:

  • S-400: Surface-to-air missile system with up to 400 km range.

  • S-500: Advanced system capable of countering ballistic missiles and hypersonic threats.

• Impact: Strengthened defence preparedness and energy security.

Relevant Mains Points:

• Key Concepts & Definitions:

  • Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership: Deep, multi-sectoral cooperation framework.

  • Trade Deficit: Imports exceeding exports in value.

• International Relations (GS II):

  • Managing strategic partnerships amid global conflicts

  • India’s multi-alignment and strategic autonomy

• Economy (GS III):

  • Energy security through diversified crude sourcing

  • Addressing trade imbalances via export promotion and investment ties

• Internal Security (GS III):

  • Role of S-400/S-500 in strengthening air defence and deterrence

• Way Forward:

  • Address trade imbalance through market access and joint ventures

  • Ensure timely defence deliveries and technology cooperation

  • Continue high-level dialogue to insulate bilateral ties from external pressures

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS II: International Relations, strategic partnerships, foreign policy

• GS III: Economy (trade, energy security), Internal Security (defence systems)

• Prelims: S-400, trade deficit, India–Russia relations