Russian President Vladimir Putin will land in New Delhi on Thursday, December 4. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi the following day for the annual India-Russia summit. This will be his first trip to India since the conflict in Ukraine began.

The meeting comes at a time when global tensions remain high. However, both countries want to continue their long-standing strategic partnership.

Focus on shielding trade from US sanctions

According to the Kremlin, Putin’s spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said Russia plans to use the summit to protect trade ties with India from the sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump’s administration. Both sides are looking for ways to continue business without outside interference.

Trade protection has become a top priority. Delhi and Moscow want mechanisms that allow smooth economic exchange without disruption.

Defence cooperation moves forward

Along with trade, defence cooperation remains a major item on the agenda. A key defence agreement between the two nations has already received approval from the Russian Parliament. This decision strengthens military and logistical cooperation between India and Russia.

On Tuesday, Russia’s lower house of parliament ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support agreement. This move allows both countries to better support each other’s military operations and supplies.

“Our relations with India are strategic and comprehensive, and we value them. We understand that today's ratification of the agreement is another step toward reciprocity and, of course, the development of our relations,” he said.

Nuclear energy and workforce mobility plans

Energy collaboration is also expected to take centre stage. Russia has offered India small modular nuclear reactors as part of broader nuclear cooperation. This proposal could help India meet its growing energy needs.

At the same time, both countries have finalised an agreement for the movement of skilled and semi-skilled workers. This step will make it easier for professionals and labourers to work across borders.

Free trade talks gain momentum

Negotiations have started on a free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union. This bloc includes five nations, one of which is Russia. The agreement aims to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers that currently affect trade. Officials believe this deal could significantly increase bilateral trade in the future.

India highlights strategic autonomy

The summit also gives India an opportunity to underline its independent foreign policy. The United States has been urging India to reduce purchases of Russian energy and military equipment. However, India continues to balance its relationships and strengthen ties that align with its national interests.

This meeting between Modi and Putin reflects India’s effort to remain strategically autonomous while maintaining strong partnerships on multiple global fronts.