India-Russia Summit expected to deliver defence upgrades, oil clarity, and expanded cooperation: Experts

The upcoming India-Russia summit, scheduled for December 4 and 5, is expected to focus on defence upgrades, oil supply clarity, and broader economic cooperation, according to experts speaking to CNBC-TV18.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India for the first time since December 2021, with the visit marking the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Speaking on the summit’s objectives, Nikita Mendkovich, Director of the Eurasian Analytical Club, said, “We are two independent states; it is our business how to keep our ties strong and how to cooperate. That's why we should ignore the American position.” He added that the leaders are likely to discuss economic issues, defence, and other areas where bilateral collaboration is possible.

“I think we should strengthen our ties in the economy, increase our trade, build new transport routes, and keep our ties stronger,” Mendkovich said.

Amitabh Singh, Associate Professor at JNU CRCAS, highlighted India’s key priorities, particularly in defence. “India has been a partner with Russia for long now, and they are the most trusted partners when it comes to our defence hardware and our defence support,” he said.

Singh added that 70% of Indian military hardware depends on Russian supply, making the continuation of defence collaboration crucial. India is also expected to follow up on the S-400 missile batteries deal and explore options for the newer-generation S-500 systems.

Energy is another critical agenda. Singh pointed out that India aims to clarify the confusion surrounding oil imports, which were affected by sanctions on Russian firms. “India would like to do away with the confusion that has prevailed—that it was not India but the sanctions imposed on Indian companies that led to the decline in the volumes of oil we were importing,” he said.

Beyond defence and energy, the summit is likely to cover labour mobility and industrial cooperation. Singh noted that India may push for a labour mobility pact that allows skilled workers greater access to Russian markets, addressing workforce shortages following the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict. Mendkovich also pointed to opportunities in transportation, pharmaceuticals, and space exploration, underlining the broad scope of bilateral collaboration.

The summit comes amid rising global tensions and pressure from the United States for India to scale back ties with Moscow. Despite these external pressures, both experts underscored that India and Russia will prioritise their longstanding partnership, which has historically extended to support in international forums, defence collaboration, and strategic initiatives.

President Droupadi Murmu is set to host a banquet for Putin, who will hold talks with Prime Minister Modi to review bilateral progress. Ahead of the summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Putin’s aide Nikolai Patrushev held preparatory meetings, signalling the significance of the event in shaping future India–Russia relations.

Watch accompanying video for entire discussion.