Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a crucial state visit to India next month, marking a significant moment in bilateral diplomacy. The visit, scheduled for December 4-5, 2024, comes at the formal invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Agenda and Significance of the Summit
During his two-day stay, President Putin will attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit and engage in comprehensive talks with PM Modi. The President of India will officially receive the Russian leader and host a state banquet in his honour.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that this high-level engagement will offer both leaders a chance to review the progress in bilateral relations and chart the future course for strengthening the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' between the two nations. Discussions are also expected to cover a wide range of regional and global issues of mutual concern.
Historical Context of Putin's Visits
This will be President Putin's first trip to India since his visit in December 2021 for the 21st Annual Summit. The two leaders last met in person on September 1, 2024, on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China.
Putin, who first became Russia's Acting President on December 31, 1999, and was formally inaugurated on May 7, 2000, has a long history of engagement with India. His previous visits as President include:
- December 6, 2021: 21st India–Russia Annual Summit.
- October 4-5, 2018: 19th India–Russia Annual Summit.
- December 10–11, 2014: 15th Annual India–Russia Summit.
- December 24, 2012: State visit for the Annual Summit.
- December 2000: An early visit after assuming presidency.
Following his two consecutive terms from 2000 to 2008, Putin served as Prime Minister until returning to the presidency in 2012. He was recently sworn in for another term on May 7, 2024, after winning the presidential election.
Legacy of Indo-Russian Leadership Exchanges
The tradition of high-level visits predates Putin's tenure. Before him, President Dmitry Medvedev visited India in December 2008, signing a landmark civil nuclear agreement and expanding defence and energy ties. He visited again in December 2010 for an Annual Summit.
Going further back, President Boris Yeltsin visited India in January 1993, meeting Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. Their talks led to key agreements on resolving India's debt to Russia, enhancing military-technical cooperation, and addressing terrorism.
This upcoming December summit is keenly awaited, with major defence deals, including the S-400 missile system delivery, and broader strategic cooperation expected to be central to the dialogue between the two longstanding partners.
