NEW DELHI: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi preparing to host Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi early next month, Moscow has initiated steps to implement a new framework that will significantly accelerate the deployment process for military personnel, warships and aircraft between the two nations. The move comes ahead of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, where defence cooperation is expected to be a major focus.
New arrangement to ease movement of forces
The proposed arrangement will allow both countries to send troops, aircraft and naval vessels to each other’s territory for joint training, exercises, humanitarian relief missions, disaster response operations and other mutually agreed purposes. Officials familiar with the matter noted that the framework aims to simplify logistics and enhance interoperability between the Indian and Russian armed forces.
Russia has started the ratification process for the pact, which was signed earlier this year. Once in force, the mechanism will streamline technical support, refuelling, repairs and other logistical services during deployments. India already has similar arrangements with nations such as the United States, France, Japan, Australia, Singapore and South Korea.
Putin to visit India from December 4–5
President Putin will undertake a state visit to New Delhi from December 4 to 5. This will be his first trip to India since Russia launched its military operations in Ukraine in February 2022. His previous visit took place in late 2021, shortly before the start of the conflict.
During the summit, Modi and Putin are expected to review ongoing cooperation and hold discussions on expanding ties in defence production, nuclear energy, space collaboration and trade. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the meeting will provide an opportunity to assess progress under the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”.
Russia too underscored the significance of the visit, stating that it would allow the leaders to undertake a comprehensive review of the political, economic, scientific, technological, cultural and humanitarian dimensions of the bilateral relationship.
Ukraine conflict likely to be part of discussions
Putin is also expected to brief Modi on the revised peace proposals linked to the Russia–Ukraine conflict. The United States had earlier circulated a 28-point plan, portions of which were reportedly amended after opposition from multiple European nations.
India has maintained a consistent position urging diplomacy and dialogue. Modi had told Putin during an earlier engagement that “this is not an era of war” and emphasised that hostilities must end at the earliest.
Strategic context surrounding the visit
The summit is taking place amid evolving global alignments, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims that Washington had convinced India to reduce its oil imports from Russia. Despite international pressures, India has maintained that its energy decisions are guided by national interests and affordable access.
The renewed focus on defence logistics between India and Russia comes at a time when both countries are attempting to modernise key aspects of their military cooperation. New Delhi and Moscow continue to collaborate on joint production projects, including submarines, missiles and aerospace systems.
Strengthening long-standing defence ties
Defence officials said the new deployment mechanism will ensure smoother coordination during joint exercises such as INDRA and naval patrols conducted periodically. It will also facilitate faster turnaround times for warships and aircraft during multilateral engagements.
As India expands its own defence capabilities and diversifies partnerships, its long-standing ties with Russia remain strategically significant. Both nations consider the annual summit an important platform to outline priorities, evaluate progress and address challenges.
Conclusion
With Putin’s visit just days away, the fast-tracking of the new deployment arrangement reflects a renewed push by both countries to deepen military coordination and streamline operational ties. The summit is expected to set the tone for the next phase of cooperation, spanning defence, energy, technology, trade and global diplomacy.