Strategic outreach intensifies
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began a three-day visit to Moscow on Monday, arriving for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting and a bilateral engagement with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. The meeting marks the next phase in the long-standing India–Russia partnership and comes ahead of Vladimir Putin’s expected trip to New Delhi early next month. Jaishankar emphasised that a “number of bilateral agreements, initiatives and projects” are under discussion and could be finalised in the coming days—ahead of the 23rd annual summit between the two countries.
What’s on the table
While the specific pacts remain under wraps, the talks are reported to focus on:
- Defence and strategic cooperation, including mobility and technology transfer.
- Energy and infrastructure agreements, building on previous cooperation between the two countries.
- Global-issues dialogue: Jaishankar and Lavrov also discussed the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East and Afghanistan—reinforcing the high-level political coordination between India and Russia.
Why the timing matters
Putin’s visit is scheduled for 4-5 December 2025, marking his first trip to India since major global shifts have impacted Russia. Given evolving global dynamics—U.S. pressure on India over its trade relations with Russia, shifting energy markets and regional security concerns—the summit and new agreements carry strategic weight for both New Delhi and Moscow. Jaishankar described the India–Russia relationship as a “factor of stability in international relations.”
Challenges and international context
- The U.S. has been pressing India over its purchases of Russian energy and defence equipment, making the India-Russia alignment more complex.
- India must balance its deep strategic relationship with Russia with its growing ties to the West, and its own multi-aligned foreign policy.
- For Russia, India remains a major partner amid Western sanctions and geopolitical isolation, and these upcoming deals are likely intended to strengthen that partnership.
Outlook for December summit
- Expect public announcements during or shortly after the summit of signed agreements in defence, energy and infrastructure.
- India is likely to push for faster implementation of ongoing projects and clearer deliverables from Russia.
- Moscow will want to showcase the India visit as a strategic victory amid its diplomatic challenges.
- The summit may also plant seeds for future cooperation in emerging domains such as space, artificial intelligence and joint manufacturing investments.
Final word
With Jaishankar’s visit to Moscow building momentum and Putin’s forthcoming Delhi visit on the horizon, India and Russia appear to be gearing up for a significant refresh of their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” While many details remain undisclosed, the convergence of timing, global backdrop and mutual interest suggests that the next few weeks could yield high-profile bilateral commitments that will shape the India–Russia axis for years to come.
