– This high-level dialogue is poised to redefine the trajectory of India-Russia bilateral relations. 

– It marks the first major engagement since the 2015 Hyderabad House agreement on the S-400 missile system. 

– Potential defense accords include the purchase of approximately Rs. 56,000 crore worth of additional S-400 missile sets and expansion of ‘Operation Sindoor’. 

– Discussions may also encompass joint development of the Pontsaya Air Defense System and collaboration on the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 (Feline) fighter jets. 

– The meeting offers a strategic opportunity to bolster India-Russia partnership amid ongoing tensions from the Ukraine conflict. 

– Expected outcomes include enhanced Indian military capabilities and a stronger global position. 

– The summit could also set a new course for India’s role in global politics and deepen economic cooperation between the two nations. 

By Jyotirmay Roy

The upcoming summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin in Delhi on Friday is set to chart a new course in India-Russia relations. Experts anticipate that this meeting will lead to significant breakthroughs across defense, economic, and strategic domains, especially given the geopolitical tensions stemming from the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

This is Putin’s first visit to India since the Russia-Ukraine war erupted in February 2022, symbolizing renewed strategic engagement between the two nations. Historically, this visit marks the first major high-level interaction since the landmark 2015 agreement at Hyderabad House, where India and Russia committed to the supply of the S-400 missile defense system—a move that heralded a new era of military and technological partnership.

According to sources, defense agreements valued at around Rs. 56,000 crore are expected to be on the table. The most prominent proposal involves purchasing five additional S-400 missile sets, intended to strengthen India’s air defense, especially against threats from Pakistan. It is anticipated that a final agreement may be signed during Putin’s visit scheduled for December 4-5, further bolstering India’s strategic capabilities.

On the technological front, discussions could extend to the joint development of the Pontsaya Air Defense System, which would enhance India’s aerial security. Moreover, the two leaders might explore cooperation on the Sukhoi Su-57 (Feline), a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, promising an unprecedented leap in India’s defense and technological collaboration. Such initiatives would significantly elevate both countries’ positions in global military power.

Strategically, formal agreements may also be pursued to deepen partnership. Despite mounting pressure from the United States, India has continued to import Russian oil, reflecting a nuanced balancing act amid the Ukraine war. This resilience in energy cooperation may face new challenges if the U.S. imposes additional tariffs or sanctions, potentially impacting India’s economy and trade relations. Such developments could ripple through the broader geopolitical landscape.

This summit also opens doors to expand cooperation beyond defense—potentially in manufacturing, textiles, engineering, and electronics industries. Russia might propose special facilities and incentives for Indian professionals operating in these sectors, fostering economic and technological ties that could redefine India’s engagement with Russia.

Ultimately, the Modi-Putin meeting is poised to shape the future of India-Russia relations, with shared initiatives in defense, technology, and economics. Its outcomes could influence not just bilateral ties but also the broader international strategic environment, reaffirming the significance of this partnership amid shifting global alliances.