India, Russia push to seal new defense and mobility pacts ahead of Putin’s India visit

Weeks before Russian President Vladimir Putin lands in India for the 23rd Annual India–Russia Summit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a crucial round of talks in Moscow, moving to lock in a slate of significant agreements — from defense cooperation to mobility partnerships.

In what was their sixth meeting this year, Jaishankar underlined the strategic weight of the upcoming summit, even as Washington steps up pressure on New Delhi over continued imports of discounted Russian oil. “Our regular interactions have been greatly helpful in advancing our bilateral cooperation and sharing perspectives on regional, global and multilateral issues,” he said in his opening remarks.

Calling this engagement “especially important” ahead of Putin’s visit, the minister signalled that both sides aim to finalise multiple agreements and unveil fresh initiatives. “We look forward to their finalisation in the coming days. These will add more substance and texture to our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” he said.

While dates for the summit are yet to be officially announced, the visit is expected in the first week of next month. The discussions, Jaishankar said, would also cover the “complex global situation”, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and developments in Afghanistan.

The timing of the talks comes just weeks after US President Donald Trump imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods and, in a subsequent call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raised concerns over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. New Delhi has repeatedly asserted that its energy choices are dictated solely by consumer interests amid global volatility.

Reaffirming India’s position on the Ukraine war, Jaishankar added, “India supports recent efforts towards establishing peace. We hope all parties approach that goal constructively. An early cessation of the conflict and an enduring peace is in the interest of the entire international community.”

Jaishankar is in Moscow to lead the Indian delegation at the SCO Council of Prime Ministers meeting on Tuesday, where Putin is also expected to hold separate interactions with visiting leaders. “India–Russia ties have long been a factor of stability in international relations,” he said, stressing the global relevance of the partnership.

Meanwhile in Delhi, Putin’s close aide Nikolay Patrushev held discussions with NSA Ajit Doval on Monday, signalling intensive back-channel coordination ahead of the high-profile summit.