Putin in India on Dec 4-5; defence ties, trade on table (ANNUAL BILATERAL SUMMIT), Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4-5, 2025, for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Discussions will cover defence partnership, civilian nuclear cooperation, and energy trade.
• A joint statement and various interdepartmental and business agreements are expected to be signed.
• President Droupadi Murmu will host a banquet in honor of President Putin.

Detailed Insights:

• The summit aims to strengthen the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" between India and Russia and exchange views on regional and global issues.
• Discussions will likely include the Russia-Ukraine war and a proposed 28-point plan being discussed between the US, Russia, Ukraine, and Europe.
• Nikolay Patrushev, a close aide of Putin, met with Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor, and Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta to prepare for the visit and discuss maritime security issues.
• The visit occurs amid a 25% tariff imposed by the US on India for purchasing Russian oil, leading to a decrease in Indian oil imports from Russia since September.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership: A high-level diplomatic relationship involving comprehensive cooperation across various sectors.
• Interdepartmental Agreements: Agreements between different departments of the governments of India and Russia.
• Tariff: A tax or duty imposed on goods when they are transported across international borders.