Relations between Russia and India are witnessing comprehensive development, reflecting the nature of the long-term strategic partnership between the two countries, which dates back to 1947. Modern cooperation is based on the 1993 Friendship and Cooperation Agreement and the 2000 Strategic Partnership Declaration, continuing to expand through high-level dialogues and mutual visits over recent years.
The Russian-Indian relations are characterized by regular summit meetings. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of meetings during the years 2021-2025, including bilateral summits in Moscow and New Delhi, as well as meetings on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS summits.
The year 2025 witnessed significant diplomatic activity, with several phone calls between the two leaders and multiple meetings between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in various international meetings. Despite a slight decline in 2025 due to market changes and Western sanctions, India remained a major importer of Russian oil, while Moscow continued to expand its exports of agricultural products, petrochemicals, and metals.
Defense remains a key focus of the strategic partnership. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the S-400 air defense system will be a main topic during President Putin’s visit, and revealed that the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet will be part of the discussions, describing it as “the best aircraft in the world.” Russia is determined to continue expanding even as most trade transactions shift to national currencies.
The Reserve Bank of India and the Russian Central Bank continue their technical talks to stabilize the system, with the Russian Central Bank opening its representative office in Mumbai yesterday. Earlier that day, Yuri Ushakov, assistant to the Russian president, stated that President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India will include a mix of high-level meetings, business meetings, and cultural visits. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Central Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina are accompanying, along with a large delegation of businessmen.
Earlier, officials from both countries confirmed that a set of major economic agreements is in its final stages and will be signed during the summit.
