Moscow, Dec 3 (NationPress) Russian President Vladimir Putin will commence his visit to India on Thursday with an informal dinner meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence. This meeting is highlighted as one of the crucial points of the Russian leader's trip, according to Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov. During this gathering, they will discuss significant matters relating to bilateral relations and the global situation.

Ushakov mentioned that Putin will engage in discussions with PM Modi in both a narrow and expanded format. They are expected to explore key aspects of trade and economic cooperation, with several agreements anticipated to be signed during Putin's visit, as reported by the Russian state-run news agency TASS. India and Russia aim to formalize a program for developing strategic sectors of economic collaboration through 2030.

After their discussions, PM Modi and President Putin will address the media. In attendance for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, Putin will also pay tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial on Friday. This long-awaited visit emerges in the context of strengthening strategic ties between New Delhi and Moscow, particularly following the imposition of punitive tariffs on India by the United States regarding discounted Russian oil imports earlier this year.

Post-Putin's visit to New Delhi, a joint statement outlining plans for cooperation in economics, finance, security, and politics will be released, as reported by TASS. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that this visit is expected to yield significant outcomes in strategic, defence, energy, and trade sectors.

During an online media briefing organized by Sputnik News, Peskov emphasized that Putin's visit aims to further strengthen a relationship founded on mutual understanding and shared global vision based on the rule of law. He highlighted the historical significance of this partnership, noting that Moscow has consistently supported India during critical stages of its development.

Peskov reaffirmed that strategic and defence cooperation remains a sensitive area, yet Russia is prepared to share its advanced expertise in various fields, including emerging technologies. Energy and nuclear collaboration are also expected to be central to the discussions between President Putin and PM Modi.

Peskov stated that Russia continues to supply energy to India at competitive prices, which he described as a mutual benefit. On nuclear matters, he confirmed ongoing collaboration and future projects, indicating that Russian support has established a distinct sectoral ecosystem within India's nuclear industry.

Trade is likely to be a focal point during the visit, with Russia-India bilateral trade reaching USD 63 billion and a target to exceed USD 100 billion by 2030. Peskov recognized attempts by certain entities to hinder the trade relationship, indirectly referencing the United States. To address the trade imbalance, Russia plans to increase imports from India.

In a statement on November 28, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) remarked that this forthcoming State Visit will provide the opportunity for Indian and Russian leadership to review the progress in bilateral relations, establish a vision for strengthening the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’, and discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest.