President Vladimir Putin is traveling to India on October 4 for a two-day visit aimed at deepening Russian ties to the fastest-growing economy in the world.
Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were set to review defense cooperation and discuss regional and global issues at an annual bilateral summit in New Delhi on October 5, according to India’s Foreign Ministry.
Putin's top foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, has said that the Russian president’s talks with Modi will focus on "further development of the especially privileged Russian-Indian strategic partnership."
More than 20 agreements were expected to be signed during Putin's visit in areas such as defense, space, and economy, Ushakov said, insisting that the "key feature" of the trip will be the signing of a $5 billion deal to supply India with S-400 air-defense systems.
Moscow has been negotiating to sell the long-range surface-to-air missiles to India for months, and the Pentagon warned New Delhi it would run afoul of U.S. sanctions if it purchases the sophisticated weapon systems.
The U.S. Congress enacted legislation this year allowing the president to waive the sanctions for countries that are developing defense relationships with Washington, but U.S. officials have signaled there was no guarantee India will get an exemption from the sanctions.
Washington and New Delhi have vowed to cooperate more closely on defense matters, but Russia remains India's main arms supplier, followed by the United States.
During Putin’s visit, the sides were also expected to discuss deals to supply India with four frigates and Ka-226 helicopters, as well as the possible construction of a second Russian-built nuclear power plant in India, reports said.
