Explained: What's on Putin's agenda in 30-hour India visit
What's the story
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in New Delhi for a crucial 30-hour visit. The trip will begin on the evening of December 4 and end late on December 5. It will focus on the 23rd annual India-Russia bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at reaffirming their strategic partnership that has lasted a quarter century.
Summit agenda
Key agreements and discussions planned during Putin's visit
The India-Russia summit will be held at 11am at Hyderabad House. The leaders are expected to finalize key agreements in defense, energy, trade, technology, space, and strategic cooperation. A joint statement will be issued after their talks. Beyond traditional sectors like defense and energy, economic ties will also be a major focus of the visit.
Economic cooperation
Labour mobility pact and free trade agreement under discussion
The visit will also see discussions on a labor mobility pact, which would allow skilled Indian workers to be employed in Russia's construction, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. The possibility of a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union is also on the table. In the afternoon, both leaders will address the India-Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam to strengthen bilateral commerce.
Media expansion
Putin's visit coincides with launch of Russian state broadcaster
The visit also coincides with the launch of the Russian state broadcaster, Russia Today (RT), in India. A 100-member bureau will start operations as part of this expansion. However, an official outline of Putin's schedule and planned activities during his visit is still awaited from the government. This will be the Russian leader's first visit to India since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.
Business
Eye on trade and investment
Putin will attend the India-Russia Business Forum, hosted by the Indian government, to boost trade and investment. According to Firstpost, which cited Indian officials, the forum will focus on expanding the presence of Indian engineering products in the Russian market as well as increasing Russia's purchase of Indian food products, such as marine products, while exploring the growth potential for mutual provision of digital services. It will also aim to increase the volume of Russian purchases of Indian pharmaceutical products.
Energy
Purchase of crude oil
Although the United States imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports for buying Russian crude oil, New Delhi was emphatic about continuing to buy oil from wherever it gets the "best deal." Putin's delegation may include the heads of oil firms Rosneft and GazpromNeft, indicating that crude oil will be a topic of discussion. India will reportedly pitch to restore a stake of 20% for state gas explorer ONGC Videsh Ltd in the Sakhalin-1 project in Russia's Far East.
Defense
Of S-400s, Su-57 fighter jets
Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian President, stated, "S-400 is on the agenda. We will have certain members of the delegation that can discuss in detail. The only thing I will say is that our military industry is working pretty well. We have managed to enlarge the volumes of production." The two countries might also hold talks regarding the possibility of buying at least two squadrons of the Su-57 fighter jets.