New Delhi — Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov has described President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India as a significant opportunity to revive the two countries’ strategic partnership, calling it a “return to the tradition of annual high-level summits.”
Putin is set to visit India on December 4–5, marking his first trip to the country after a long interval. Manturov said that officials from both nations have carefully prepared the agenda to ensure the success of the high-level meetings scheduled during the visit. According to him, the trip will reinvigorate the decades-long trust, warmth, and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
A major event, the India–Russia Forum, will also take place in New Delhi during the visit. Senior government officials and top business leaders from both nations are expected to participate. The forum will focus on expanding India’s exports of raw materials, equipment, and food products; diversifying bilateral trade; exploring joint investment projects; and increasing cooperation in high-tech sectors. Manturov said the forum will serve as an effective platform for direct business-to-business dialogue and partnership expansion.
When asked about the future of India–Russia relations, Manturov expressed confidence that the two nations would move toward more resilient, capable, and future-oriented cooperation based on “true and long-term friendship.” Despite rapid changes in global politics and economics, he noted that India and Russia will continue to strengthen cooperation—especially in high-tech industries, scientific research, and strategic alignment.
He added that as the influence of the Global South continues to grow, collaboration between Moscow and New Delhi will play an important role in promoting global balance. Joint efforts, he said, will help amplify both nations’ voices on international platforms.
President Putin is visiting India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit and hold high-level talks with Modi. The Indian President will also host a courtesy meeting and a special banquet in Putin’s honor.
This marks Putin’s first visit to India since 2021. The two leaders last met earlier this year in September during the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China.
The high-level meetings are expected to review the progress of bilateral relations, set the direction for the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” and enhance coordination on regional and global issues.
