President Putin’s visit to India will feature a mix of high-level meetings, business engagements, and cultural visits, Kremlin said in statement. The itinerary includes:
An informal one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Modi, followed by official negotiations.
Signing of 10 intergovernmental agreements and over 15 commercial deals.
Participation in the Russia-India Business Forum.
Statements to the media.
A visit to the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, among other events.
Seven Russian ministers are accompanying President Putin, including Defense Minister Sergei Belousov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina. A large business delegation is also traveling with the president.
Earlier, Indian and Russian officials have confirmed that several major agreements—primarily on economic cooperation—are in the final stages of approval and expected to be signed during the summit.
Economic Agreements in Final Stretch
Ыpeaking at a pre-summit briefing hosted by Sputnik in New Delhi, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “very successful” documents were being finalised.
A landmark pact on the mobility of skilled and semi-skilled workers is among the documents expected to be signed, with both governments stressing that the arrangement responds to strong private-sector demand.
India is looking to significantly raise its exports to Russia as bilateral trade hit $68.7 billion in 2024–25, with Indian exports at $4.9 billion and imports—dominated by Russian crude—standing at over $63 billion. Despite a recent additional 25% U.S. tariff on Indian purchases of Russian oil, New Delhi maintains that its decisions are guided by affordability and energy security.
EAEU FTA & Connectivity Boost
India hopes the long-discussed India–Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement will open new avenues for exporters who currently face tariffs and non-tariff barriers. Detailed assessments of all five EAEU states—Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia—have identified key sectors for growth.
The summit will also focus on key connectivity corridors. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) has already boosted Russian coal and fertiliser shipments to India, while the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor is contributing to increased volumes. Cooperation on the Northern Sea Route, including icebreaker production and Indian seafarer training, is expected to feature prominently.
Currency Settlements
Both sides acknowledged ongoing challenges in the rupee–rouble settlement mechanism, even as a majority of trade has now moved to national currencies. The Reserve Bank of India and the Russian Central Bank continue technical talks to stabilise the system. On Wednesday, Russian Central Bank has opened its representative office in Mumbai.
On navigating sanctions, Peskov emphasised Russia’s accumulated resilience.
“We have a deep experience in performing under the regime of these illegal sanctions. We have our own technologies in doing that,” he said, underlying that Moscow has developed mechanisms that allow it to maintain financial flows and energy cooperation despite restrictions.
S-400, Su-57 and Joint Manufacturing
Defence remains central to the strategic partnership. Peskov confirmed that the S-400 air defence system will be a key topic during Putin’s visit.
He also revealed that the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet will feature in the dialogue, describing it as “the best plane in the world.”
Peskov highlighted Russia’s intention to deepen industrial collaboration with India through joint defence manufacturing.
“We are launching joint productions on Indian territory and we'll continue this road,” Kremlin Spox higlighted.
Civil Nuclear, Space & Technology
The summit is expected to cover Russia’s proposal for cooperation on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and review progress on Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 5 and 6.
Space and science—domains where India and Russia share a long legacy—will also be on the agenda.