Overview

• Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said a December visit to New Delhi is being planned, and India’s deputy national security adviser Pavan Kapoor confirmed preparations are underway, with final dates yet to be formally announced.
• Multiple outlets report a tentative Dec. 5–6 window, with Lavrov expected in November and Russian defence minister Andrey Belousov slated to visit this month to advance summit groundwork.
• The agenda is expected to span defence, energy, trade and high technology, including reported moves to launch FTA talks with the Eurasian Economic Union and reviews of Su‑30MKI upgrades, S‑400/S‑500 air defence and Su‑57 proposals.
• The visit takes place after the US imposed a combined 50% tariff package linked to India’s Russian oil purchases, and Lavrov publicly backed India’s right to set its own trade relationships.
• Bilateral trade reached a record about $68.7 billion in 2024–25 on the back of discounted Russian crude, and both sides are expected to address the sharp trade imbalance as part of the talks.