Russia has formally strengthened its long-standing defense partnership with India after the State Duma ratified a new bilateral military cooperation agreement ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi on December 4–5. The move marks a strategic milestone in relations that date back to the early 1960s and continues to shape security dynamics across Eurasia.
The agreement, approved during a plenary session on Tuesday, establishes a legal framework enabling both nations to deploy troops and military equipment on each other’s territory. It also aims to streamline joint drills, rescue operations, and humanitarian missions—areas where the two sides have sought greater coordination.
In a statement released last week, the Kremlin emphasized the significance of the upcoming summit, noting that “this visit is of great importance, providing an opportunity to comprehensively discuss the extensive agenda of Russian-Indian relations,” including political, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation.
Putin’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi—whom he has previously described as his “personal friend”—is expected to place defense collaboration at the forefront.
The visit also comes as India looks to reinforce its missile capabilities. New Delhi is preparing to issue a request for proposal to Rosoboronexport for the purchase of 300 additional missiles for its Russian-built S-400 air defense systems, at an estimated cost of $1.2 billion. The missiles are crucial for maintaining an airpower balance in the region following heightened tensions with Pakistan earlier this year.
India continues to promote its ‘Make in India’ defense manufacturing initiative, encouraging collaboration with foreign partners—including Russia—to localize production and strengthen domestic capacities.
As Modi and Putin prepare for their first bilateral meeting since 2021, the newly ratified pact underscores a renewed commitment to a “special privileged strategic partnership” that remains central to both nations’ security ambitions.
