Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on a two-day visit from December 4. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed this. During this, Putin will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Draupadi Murmu. This will be Putin’s first visit to India after the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. Earlier, both the leaders had met in the recently held SCO summit.
What did MEA say?
The Foreign Ministry said that Putin will come to India on the invitation of Prime Minister Modi and will participate in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This year this meeting will be hosted by India. During the visit, Putin will also attend the felicitation ceremony and dinner organized by President Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. According to MEA, during this visit the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between the two countries will be reviewed and views will be shared on regional and global issues.
There will be talk on S-400 missile system
India is considering purchasing additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia. These missiles proved to be very effective during Operation Sindoor. So far, three squadrons have been received by India, while the remaining two squadrons are expected to arrive by the middle of next year.
Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said that in the summit, India will seek answers from Russia regarding the delay in S-400 missile delivery. He said, “This meeting will mainly discuss broad issues of defense cooperation between the two countries. We expect Russia to respond to eliminate delivery delays and clarify timelines.”
Apart from this, India will also discuss with Russia the delays in other major defense projects and press for faster progress. The possibility of purchasing at least two squadrons of Su-57 fighter jets may also be discussed in the summit.
Energy and crude oil purchases
Russia has offered India additional discounts on the purchase of crude oil. This step was taken because India’s oil purchasing level has reduced after American sanctions.
Discussion on Russia-Ukraine war
A possible peace roadmap for the Russia-Ukraine war may also be discussed in the summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has continuously talked about ending the war soon and establishing peace. Recently Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to the Foreign Minister of Ukraine on this issue and India reiterated its position for an early end to the conflict and lasting peace.
This will be Putin’s first visit to India after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022. His last visit was in December 2021 for the annual summit. At the same time, PM Modi had participated in the same summit in Moscow in July last year.
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