Putin’s two-day state visit to India on December 4-5, 2025, for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit aligns with UPSC Prelims (Current events of national and international importance) and Mains GS-II (Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests).It highlights India's strategic autonomy amid US pressures like 25% tariffs on Russian oil purchases, reinforcing the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" upgraded in 2010. The summit covers defense (S-400 deliveries, Su-57 talks), trade (targeting $100 billion by 2030 from $68 billion), energy (discounted oil), and labor mobility pacts.
Key Bilateral Focus Areas
Defense cooperation remains pivotal, with 60-70% of India's equipment Russian-origin, including ongoing S-400 supplies, BrahMos missiles, and potential Su-57/S-500 deals amid delivery delays from Ukraine conflict. Economic ties emphasize reducing India's $64 billion trade deficit via boosted exports in pharma/agriculture and non-USD payment mechanisms to evade sanctions. Nuclear/energy advances feature Kudankulam Units 3-6 and small modular reactors, while multilateral synergy spans BRICS, SCO, and UNSC reform support for India.
Challenges and Strategic Implications
Challenges include Russia's China tilt complicating India-China tensions, sanctions disrupting payments/defense spares, and over-reliance on Russian oil/energy.The visit counters Western pressure, upholds multi-alignment, and diversifies beyond buyer-seller ties into co-production/MRO hubs. For India, it ensures energy security, military readiness, and Eurasian influence amid global flux.
Prelims MCQs
- Q1: With reference to the India-Russia Annual Summit, consider the following statements:
1. It originated from the 2000 Strategic Partnership Declaration.
2. The 23rd edition is scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi.
Select the correct answer: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
- Q2: Which of the following is NOT a focus area of Putin’s 2025 India visit?
(a) S-400 air defense systems (b) Labor mobility agreement (c) India-EuEU FTA (d) US-India defense pact
Ans: (d)
Mains Questions
1. "The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit underscores India's multi-alignment strategy amid geopolitical pressures. Critically analyze its implications for India's strategic autonomy and bilateral ties." (GS-II, 15 marks)
2. "While defense and energy dominate India-Russia relations, emerging challenges like trade imbalances and sanctions necessitate diversification. Discuss the roadmap for a resilient partnership." (GS-II/III, 10 marks)
3. "Putin’s visit highlights the evolution from Cold War-era ties to a multidimensional partnership. Evaluate its role in India's foreign policy architecture." (GS-II, 15 marks)