India–Russia Ties Set for Major Boost as Putin’s December Visit to New Delhi Nears
Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov says a wide-ranging package of new agreements—spanning defence, nuclear energy, trade, and emerging technologies—is being readied, as bilateral commerce hits a record USD 70.6 billion and cooperation deepens across strategic sectors.
Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expected visit to New Delhi later this year, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said that trade and economic cooperation between the two countries continues to strengthen, reaffirming that bilateral engagement remains resilient despite global geopolitical headwinds.
Alipov revealed that a “substantial package of ambitious decisions” is being prepared for President Putin’s visit in December for the annual bilateral summit, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Russia–India strategic partnership and the 15th anniversary of its elevation to a “special and privileged” status.
The new agreements are expected to cover defence cooperation, nuclear energy, energy security, science, education, and emerging areas of collaboration.
In an interview with Sputnik, the envoy outlined the expanding scope of Russia–India engagement, noting that trade and economic ties are “steadily developing,” driven by unprecedented mutual business interest.
Bilateral trade touched a record USD 70.6 billion in 2024, with Russia now among India’s four largest trading partners. Moscow remains New Delhi’s biggest supplier of crude oil—accounting for more than one-third of India’s imports—as well as sunflower oil (51% market share), petroleum products, fertilizers, newsprint, pulses, coal, and diamonds.
In the energy sector, Alipov said Russia is committed to supplying India with crude oil on the “most favorable terms,” and Moscow is looking to expand mutual investments in oil and gas. Rosneft, he noted, is broadening its presence in India through participation in the development programme of the Vadinar refinery operated by Nayara Energy.
On nuclear cooperation, the ambassador confirmed ongoing discussions on the potential serial construction of high-capacity nuclear power units in India using proven VVER reactor technology—an area he described as a cornerstone of the long-term strategic partnership.
Alipov also highlighted advances in the Indo-Russian BrahMos missile system, revealing that a modernized variant is under development for deployment on Indian Air Force light fighter aircraft. Calling BrahMos one of the most successful pillars of bilateral defence cooperation, he said the joint venture now produces a wide range of munitions used across all branches of India’s armed forces.