Russian President Putin ‘locks’ deal with India ahead of his visit, unveils ‘2026 Model of Friendship’ between Moscow and New Delhi

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India on 4-5 December 2025 to attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit upon the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will also hold talks with Prime Minister Modi. This will be Putin’s return to India after more than 4 years. His last visit was on December 6, 2021.

With less than 48 hours left for the Russian leader’s visit to New Delhi, many reports claim that Putin has ‘locked down’ the agreement on key agreements to be signed during his visit, even before he reaches India. This bold move in the last month of 2025 is described as the ‘2026 Friendship Model’ between India and Russia. Let’s figure out what this new model of cooperation in trade, economy and defense is.

Big statement from Moscow that India is a strategic partner

Moscow has made a big statement regarding India’s position in Russia’s foreign policy. Russia signaled that India has strategic importance for itself, just like China, and that it sees India as a reliable strategic partner. Moscow has made it clear that although China has become a global superpower and is moving closer to Russia, India remains a more reliable and stable partner.

Russia also warned against tolerance of any ‘foreign interference’; It is launching an indirect attack on the US in its trade relations with India, especially in the defense and oil sectors. Amid the Ukraine-Russia war, European powers and the US pressured India to stop buying Russian oil, but India maintained its stance on the relationship.

23rd India-Russia Bilateral Summit

Economic Cooperation

• Increasing bilateral trade from $63 billion to $150 billion by 2030, by increasing trade almost two and a half times in five years.
• An agreement is being signed to connect India’s RuPay payment system to Russia’s Mir network. Eliminating the use of the US dollar in bilateral transactions.
• New agreements are also expected to be made in the fields of nuclear energy, shipping corridors, artificial intelligence and advanced technology.
• The Central Bank of Russia may soon open an office in India.
• Discussions on trade routes and students going to Russia for education.

Defense Cooperation

• Russia’s offer to supply India with its most advanced stealth fighter jet, the Sukhoi Su-57.
• A proposal to manufacture the Su-57 in India, create employment opportunities in defense and increase indigenous capacity.
• Negotiations are underway for the supply of two more units of the S-400 air defense system (India currently operates three units).

Reciprocal Logistics Exchange Agreement (RELOS)

Before Putin’s arrival in New Delhi, the Duma (Russian Parliament) is expected to approve a key agreement, the Reciprocal Logistics Exchange Agreement (RELOS), which was signed in February and is currently awaiting final ratification. The agreement includes:

• Exchange of fuel, spare parts and military support services.
• Access to each other’s air bases and naval bases.
• Russian warships and aircraft in the Indian Ocean receive logistical support from India.
• Indian naval and air assets provide access to Russia’s military infrastructure in East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Arctic Ocean.
• Supporting the infrastructure of Indian Sukhoi aircraft going to Europe and the USA for joint exercises.