(Image source from: Msn.com)
Russian President Vladimir Putin starts a two-day trip to India today, which features a private dinner organized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 23rd annual meeting between India and Russia. President Putin is set to land in New Delhi this evening. Soon after his arrival, Prime Minister Modi will invite him for a private dinner, returning a favor from the Russian leader during PM Modi's visit to Moscow in July 2024. The dinner is expected to be casual, allowing both leaders to establish a friendly atmosphere before the formal meeting. On Friday morning, President Putin will kick off his official activities with a ceremonial welcome. Following that, he will visit Rajghat to honor Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial, a typical duty for visiting heads of state. This will be succeeded by the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House in the capital. Prime Minister Modi will also host a working lunch for the Russian President and his team as part of the summit schedule.
India is likely to urge for quicker delivery of outstanding military equipment, especially since there have been delays amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. Important topics are expected to revolve around additional S-400 air defense systems. India made a USD 5 billion agreement in 2018 for five units of the S-400. Three units have already been delivered, and two more are planned to arrive by mid-next year. These systems were effectively utilized during Operation Sindoor. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that talks might also cover India's interest in the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets. India is currently reviewing next-generation options, with candidates like Rafale, F-21, F/A-18, and Eurofighter Typhoon in consideration. Energy security will be a major focus, particularly the effects of US sanctions on India's imports of Russian oil, which is expected to be a key discussion point. Peskov mentioned that India's purchases might decrease "for a brief period," though Russia is trying to ensure a steady supply.
In addition to the meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, the defense ministers of both nations — Rajnath Singh and Andrey Belousov — are anticipated to engage in talks regarding important military equipment. President Putin's trip occurs at a time when relations between India and the US have seen some challenges. Recently, Washington applied tariffs of 50 percent on Indian products across various categories and a 25 percent tax specifically related to India's purchase of Russian crude oil. President Putin is also likely to update Prime Minister Modi on recent US diplomatic actions related to the situation in Ukraine. India has consistently stated that dialogue and diplomacy are essential, avoiding criticism of Moscow while positioning itself as a possible mediator.
