For a two- day visit, Putin arrives in India today

New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in Delhi on Thursday for a two -day visit. He will participate in the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Alongside a joint press statement, the two countries are expected to sign several bilateral agreements.

Amid the impact of retaliatory export measures imposed by the Trump administration, the Indian government is looking to expand trade relations with Russia. In response to US pressure, the Modi government had previously curtailed crude oil imports from Russia. To mitigate the effects on bilateral trade, efforts are now being made to broaden cooperation across other sectors.

Bilateral trade between India and Russia currently stands at 6,872 crore dollars, with exports from India accounting for only 488 crore dollars and imports from Russia at 6,384 crore dollars. The two countries aim to raise trade to 10,000 crore dollars by 2030. India is particularly keen to increase exports of machinery parts, chemicals, food products, and pharmaceuticals. Russia, in turn, is prepared to provide technical assistance for India’s nuclear energy sector and has pledged the construction of small reactors. Additionally, Russia has expressed willingness to supply India with advanced SU-57 fighter jets and S-500 missile defence systems.