New Delhi has gone into lockdown as India prepares to host Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 4–5 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, his first visit since the Ukraine war. Amid rising global scrutiny, Delhi is under a multi-layered security grid, with drone jammers, snipers, and Russian security teams coordinating closely with Indian agencies.
This visit carries strategic weight, as both nations seek to strengthen their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” Talks will focus on defence, energy trade, rupee-rouble payments, and sanctions-proof cooperation.
India–Russia trade has surged to $60–70 billion, largely due to discounted Russian crude. However, India’s rupee surpluses, sanctions threats from the West, and payment bottlenecks remain unresolved. Indian refiners have already cut December crude imports to a 3-year low, under U.S. pressure.
Key summit goals include securing long-term energy flows, resolving currency settlement challenges, and developing non-dollar payment systems. A possible India–Eurasian Economic Union FTA may also be on the table.
For India, the summit is a test of its ability to balance ties with Russia without alienating the West. If successful, it could reshape India’s trade resilience and strategic autonomy in an increasingly polarized world.
See What’s Next in Tech With the Fast Forward Newsletter
Tweets From @varindiamag
Nothing to see here - yet
When they Tweet, their Tweets will show up here.
