India and Russia Move Toward Major Agreements Ahead of President Putin’s Visit

India and Russia are preparing to seal several significant agreements as Russian President Vladimir Putin readies for his upcoming visit to New Delhi. The developments come after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow, where both sides emphasized the depth, continuity, and future trajectory of their strategic partnership. The meeting took place against the backdrop of major geopolitical shifts, reinforcing the importance of India-Russia cooperation at a crucial global moment.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar (via REUTERS FILE PHOTO) | Hindustan Times

A Partnership Strengthened by Strategic Imperatives

During his discussions in Moscow, Jaishankar stated that the conversation held “more importance than usual,” as both sides were actively finalizing new agreements expected to be announced during the Modi-Putin summit. These agreements span multiple domains, including defense, trade, energy, science and technology, and long-term strategic investment. The ministers also reviewed pressing international issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, instability in West Asia, and the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Jaishankar reiterated that India remains committed to a constructive approach to peace, urging early de-escalation across global conflict theatres.

Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed that India remains one of Russia’s most trusted partners, emphasizing Moscow’s commitment to strengthening economic and political cooperation. He also underscored that both countries have developed alternative financial systems capable of withstanding Western sanctions—ensuring that their relationship remains stable, predictable, and independent of external pressures.

Rising Bilateral Trade and New Economic Pathways

Economic cooperation between India and Russia has surged to record levels. The Ministry of External Affairs recently highlighted that bilateral trade crossed US$65 billion, driven largely by India’s increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil. Both countries aim to push this figure to US$100 billion by 2030, supported by new payment mechanisms that allow most trade to occur in national or alternative currencies.

Russia’s ambassador to India recently noted that more than 90% of transactions now bypass the U.S. dollar system—an adjustment made necessary by global sanctions. Simultaneously, both sides are also exploring new economic corridors, increased cooperation in the Far East, and joint ventures in energy exploration, especially in the Arctic and Russian Far Eastern regions. These projects align closely with India’s long-term vision for diversified energy security.

Defense Cooperation: A Central Pillar of the Relationship

Defense has always formed the backbone of India-Russia ties, and the upcoming summit is expected to reinforce this pillar even further. Discussions are underway to expand deliveries of the S-400 air-defense system, a platform considered essential for India’s national security. Additionally, both sides are exploring avenues for greater joint manufacturing of military hardware in India—including tanks, helicopters, and advanced weapons systems—under the “Make in India” framework.

Russia and India continue to deepen cooperation under the Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation, which emphasizes joint development and long-term technological partnerships rather than simple buyer-seller arrangements. As global alliances shift, the security dimension of the India-Russia partnership remains firmly rooted in decades-old mutual trust and interoperability.

Technology, Space, and Nuclear Energy Collaboration

Another dimension gaining momentum is cooperation in advanced technology fields. India and Russia are working on joint initiatives in quantum computing, advanced propulsion systems, satellite-launch technology, and space-flight engines. Nuclear energy has been another enduring partnership area, with both countries continuing to collaborate on reactors and evaluating next-generation nuclear solutions such as small modular reactors.

These efforts reflect a shared commitment to long-term innovation, scientific advancement, and strategic technological autonomy—especially important in a global environment marked by supply-chain fragmentation and tech-based geopolitical rivalry.

Navigating Sanctions and Global Pressures

Despite Western pressure—particularly from the United States—India has maintained a balanced yet firm approach regarding its energy purchases and defense engagement with Russia. India has repeatedly emphasized that its decisions will continue to be guided by national interest. Moscow, on its part, has taken substantial steps to ensure the stability of its economic system and adaptability of its trade mechanisms with India.

The shift from traditional currency systems to alternative settlement models has significantly reduced disruptions and strengthened economic resilience. Both countries recognize that in a changing world, economic autonomy is becoming as critical as strategic autonomy.

What Putin’s Visit May Deliver

President Putin’s visit is expected to yield a series of tangible outcomes: progress in defense procurement and joint production, new long-term energy supply arrangements, enhanced trade-settlement frameworks, and expanded collaboration across technology, nuclear energy, and space sectors. The summit is also likely to reaffirm the political trust that has defined the India-Russia relationship for decades.

The MGMM Outlook

India and Russia’s preparations ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit clearly reflect a partnership that is not only historic but also strategically essential in today’s shifting world order. From Jaishankar–Lavrov talks in Moscow to the steady expansion of defense, energy, and trade cooperation, it is evident that both nations see each other as stable, long-term allies amidst global uncertainty. India’s willingness to pursue its national interest—be it through sustained energy imports, alternative payment systems, or deeper defense engagement—shows a confident foreign policy that refuses to bend under Western pressure. This aligns strongly with our viewpoint: India’s geopolitical maturity is now defined not by approval from the West, but by partnerships that ensure sovereignty, stability, and strategic autonomy.

At the same time, Russia’s consistent recognition of India as a trusted and independent partner highlights the depth of this bond. Bilateral trade crossing $65 billion, near-total bypassing of the dollar system, expansion of Make-in-India defense production, collaboration in space, nuclear energy, and emerging technologies—all of this indicates that the India-Russia relationship is evolving beyond old frameworks into a more modern, resilient, and future-ready alliance. In our view, Putin’s visit is not just about new agreements; it symbolizes a partnership adapting to new realities—a relationship rooted in trust, strengthened by necessity, and guided by shared goals in an increasingly uncertain world.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, India Today, Business Standard)