NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to India from December 4-5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
The Kremlin, in its official statement, said, "This visit is of great importance, as it provides an opportunity to discuss the entire extensive scope of Russia-India special and privileged strategic partnership in politics, trade and economy, science and technology, as well as cultural and humanitarian affairs, in addition to addressing current international and regional issues."
The state visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Meanwhile, speaking at an industry summit in New Delhi, Defence Secretary RK Singh specified that while the focus of the upcoming Russia-India Summit will be "broader elements of cooperation on defence", including the strategic S-400 air defence systems, there may not be immediate procurement announcements. "Potentially, the S-400 is not ruled out, but don't expect any announcements during this visit. This meeting will focus on the larger defence partnership and resolving delivery delays," he said.
India has already signed contracts for the S-400 systems with Russia, but deliveries have faced delays. Singh confirmed that Russia has promised to deliver the remaining equipment in the financial year 2026-27. "We have a very large defence programme with Russia, including the existing S-400 contracts which are delayed. They've now promised to deliver the balance in the coming financial year," he added.
Noting that the upgrade of the frontline IAF Sukhoi fighters was among the defence projects which are facing delays, the Defence Secretary said these issues will be discussed during the talks with the Russian side to expedite deliveries.
The $5.43 billion S-400 systems contract for five regiments was inked in 2018. As confirmed by the Armed Forces, these systems played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor in May, successfully targeting multiple Pakistani fighters and aircraft deep inside Pakistan.
Three are already deployed along the western and northern fronts, bordering Pakistan and China, respectively. India had received the first regiment in December 2021, while the second and third were delivered in April 2022 and October 2023, respectively. Going by information shared by the Indian government, the acquisition was to be completed by 2023.
Following the talks, a joint statement is expected to be adopted and a wide range of bilateral interdepartmental and business agreements are to be signed.