Russian President Vladimir Putin will be in India on December 4th and 5th for a significant state visit, invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The centerpiece of this visit is the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, a tradition that reinforces the deep strategic partnership between the two nations. Preparations for the summit are reportedly progressing smoothly, with both governments working in tandem.
Described by Kremlin aides as an “extremely grand” and potentially “fruitful” occasion, the visit is expected to yield significant agreements across various sectors. This includes strengthening economic ties, enhancing defense cooperation, and exploring new avenues for collaboration. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent visit to Moscow was instrumental in laying the groundwork for these upcoming pacts, aiming to infuse renewed vigor into the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
The summit will also provide a critical forum for discussing global security concerns and regional stability. Topics such as the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East, and Afghanistan are anticipated to be on the agenda. India’s position advocating for peace and dialogue is expected to be reaffirmed during these crucial exchanges. The consistent holding of these annual summits highlights the enduring and evolving nature of the India-Russia relationship.