Putin's India visit to highlight strengthened bilateral ties, defence pact ratification

As anticipation builds for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India on December 4-5, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and expressed pride in standing alongside India during its “historic growth.”

“Russia-India relations are not just standard diplomatic protocols or trade agreements,” Peskov said. “They are based on a historic foundation of mutual understanding, shared vision of global affairs, and respect for international law. We are proud to have been shoulder to shoulder with our Indian friends during their historic growth and are grateful for India’s friendly stance towards Russia in bilateral and global affairs.”

Peskov also pointed to the ongoing defence and technological cooperation between the two nations. Citing the BrahMos missile programme, he said, “It’s not only about production or procurement; it is a high-technology exchange that paves the way for a bright future in defence collaboration. We are developing complex systems and are ready to share our experience with India.”

Energy ties remain a key pillar, with Russia continuing as a major supplier of energy sources to India at competitive prices. Peskov noted that trade is increasingly being conducted in national currencies, safeguarding the sovereignty and security of bilateral commerce. He also said that during Putin’s visit, a forum of importers will explore ways to increase Indian exports to Russia, balancing trade volumes and expanding cooperation in goods and services.

Amid these developments, the Russian State Duma, which is the lower house of Russia’s Federal Assembly (similar to the Lok Sabha in India), is scheduled to hold a ratification vote on Tuesday for the India-Russia Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS). The State Duma is responsible for passing laws, approving the budget, and ratifying international agreements and treaties, making it a key legislative body in Russia. Signed on February 18, 2025, in Moscow by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar and Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin, the pact aims to strengthen military cooperation through streamlined logistics support, joint exercises, and disaster relief operations.

Officials said the ratification ahead of the visit ensures that parliamentary formalities are complete, allowing immediate implementation of the agreement. Analysts describe RELOS as a symbol of strategic trust, reinforcing rapid operational coordination during joint exercises and crises, and strengthening both countries’ independent strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific and Eurasian regions.

Putin will hold annual summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the two-day visit, which are expected to produce a plethora of significant outcomes, particularly in the trade and defence sectors, further solidifying the bilateral strategic ties. The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit will also provide an opportunity to review progress in bilateral relations, outline the vision for the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”, and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Peskov’s remarks and the timing of the RELOS ratification underscore a shared commitment to deepening bilateral engagement, consolidating defence ties, and expanding cooperation in both economic and strategic domains, reflecting the enduring importance of India-Russia relations on the global stage.