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Russia-India Ties Set to Strengthen as Leaders Plan December Summit in New Delhi
India-Russia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday over the phone. PM Modi congratulated Putin on his 73rd birthday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Tuesday and wished him a happy 73rd birthday. Prime Minister Modi also wished him good health.
The two leaders discussed progress on the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India. The Prime Minister declared himself eager to invite President Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is to visit India on December 5th. Putin will attend the annual summit in New Delhi. In the meeting, Putin is likely to talk about important matters like defense, energy, trade, and security with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It is not yet decided whether President Putin will visit India for a single day or two days. Prior to his visit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit India in November to complete preparations for the event. India and Russia hold annual summits. So far, 22 talks have taken place between the two countries. Last July, PM Modi visited Moscow, while Putin last visited India in 2021. This time, the focus will be on military and technical cooperation between the two countries.
It is believed that India may also purchase additional S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia. India signed a $5 billion deal for five units in 2018, of which three regiments have been delivered, with the remaining two expected by next year. Russia's S-400 air defense system played a key role in thwarting Pakistani air attacks during Operation Sindoor.
Recently, Putin praised PM Modi. The Russian President called Prime Minister Narendra Modi his friend and said that he feels comfortable with him. Putin praised India's nationalist government led by Modi and described PM Modi as a "balanced, wise" and "nation-friendly" leader.
Putin said that Russia-India relations have remained very strong since the days of the Soviet Union, when India was struggling for its independence. He said, "In India, they remember this, they know this, and they value it. We appreciate that India has not forgotten this." He called Prime Minister Narendra Modi his friend and said that he feels comfortable with him. Putin praised India's nationalist government led by Modi and described PM Modi as a "balanced, wise" and "nation-friendly" leader.
