Modi-Putin talks today: Strategic economic 2030 roadmap likely

Presenting a copy of the Gita in Russian to Putin, Modi, in a post on X late at night, said,  “The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world.”

This is Putin’s first visit to India since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022 – he was last here in December 2021.

The Russian President’s visit is being keenly tracked for the outcomes given that it is taking place at a time when the Trump administration has imposed a 25 per cent penalty tariff on India over its purchase of Russian oil. The US and its European allies are trying to force Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Europe’s capitals are also urging Delhi to lean on him to stop hostilities.

PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on their way to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg for a private dinner. PTI

Officials said that while the global context will definitely be discussed when Putin and Modi meet, they would like the visit focused on bilateral issues – trade, defence, technology, nuclear energy, labour mobility.

The private dinner hosted by Modi and a string of events Friday are expected to provide the two sides ample opportunity to discuss these issues.

After being accorded a ceremonial welcome Friday morning in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Putin will go to Rajghat. He will meet Modi for bilateral talks at Hyderabad House, following which the two leaders will move to Bharat Mandapam to address the India-Russia business forum.

Putin is also expected to participate in the launch ceremony of the RT television channel in India. Later in the evening, he will meet President Droupadi Murmu and a state banquet will be hosted in his honour.

Sources said the two sides are also discussing various defence projects and equipment, including the S-400 air defence systems and the latest version of Sukhoi-57 fighter aircraft, as part of the dialogue between the Defence Ministers. There could also be progress on civilian nuclear cooperation, including Russian small modular reactors.

Discussions will also focus on making travel between India and Russia simpler – there is a demand for visa-free entry for Indian tourists to Russia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin upon his arrival at Delhi’s Palam Airport, marking the start of the Russian leader’s official visit to India today

India has to navigate the issue of US tariffs and Russian oil imports – Delhi has had to reduce oil imports from Russia ever since the secondary tariffs kicked in. This could involve moderating expectations of the USD 100-billion target that had been set, riding on increased oil imports from Russia.

Bilateral trade between India and Russia reached a record high of USD 68.7 billion in FY 2024-25. But that’s lopsided since India’s exports were only USD 4.9 billion while imports from Russia, mainly oil, amounted to USD 63.8 billion.

Sources said India will want to increase its exports to Russia – more market access for Indian products, including fruits, vegetables, pharmaceuticals among others. Last month, Russia allowed import of Indian potatoes and pomegranates. India also wants to import more fertiliser from Russia and Delhi is keen to deepen cooperation there.

Following the visit, a joint statement is likely to be adopted, and a number of bilateral documents are to be signed and adopted in a wide range of areas, including the Program for the Development of Strategic Areas of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation until 2030. This December 21 will mark the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the joint statement that noted the elevation of Russia-India relations to the level of a special and privileged strategic partnership.

Ahead of the meetings in Delhi, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said, “We have many large-scale promising projects in various areas, including industrial cooperation, innovative technologies, transport, peaceful space exploration, mining, healthcare, labour migration programmes, and many others.”

Indian officials said that discussions on the free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union have picked up pace, and a round of talks was held last week.

Russian First Deputy PM Denis Manturov told Sputnik India that India and Russia can work on Arctic shipbuilding. “The organisation of joint production of Arctic-class vessels could become a promising area of cooperation,” he said.

The leaders are also expected to exchange views on a range of international issues, including cooperation in the UN, the SCO, the G20 and BRICS. Putin will be invited to the BRICS summit in 2026 when India will be the chair.