Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on December 4 for his tenth official visit to India, a trip that carries significant geopolitical and economic implications. This visit, the first since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, comes at a critical juncture when both nations are navigating sanctions, tariffs, and a rapidly shifting global economic order. While the official agenda spans defense cooperation, space collaboration, economic integration, and trade facilitation, the broader context involves strategic diplomacy aimed at counterbalancing Western pressure and reinforcing long-standing India-Russia ties.

Defense cooperation: Building strategic capabilities

Defense cooperation remains a cornerstone of India-Russia relations, and the upcoming summit is expected to place special emphasis on the joint production of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter aircraft. Talks are likely to cover deeper military collaboration, technology transfers, and enhanced interoperability in air, naval, and missile platforms. These discussions build on the recent ratification of a military cooperation agreement by Russia’s lower house, the State Duma. This treaty streamlines bilateral armed forces drills and humanitarian operations, legally allowing both nations to deploy troops and equipment on each other’s soil.

India has consistently encouraged foreign defense firms, including Russian companies, to collaborate with domestic manufacturers under the “Make in India” initiative. At the Dubai Airshow, Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport highlighted the operational capabilities of its weapons systems, underscoring Moscow’s interest in deepening technological collaboration with New Delhi. Russia’s Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, has confirmed ongoing discussions on the joint production of the Su-57, signaling a commitment to expanding the defense partnership in line with India’s strategic ambitions.

This defense cooperation also carries broader geopolitical significance. For India, it ensures continued access to........

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