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New Delhi: Russia’s State Duma approved a new military cooperation pact with India ahead of President Putin’s upcoming visit. The deal allows both nations to legally deploy troops and equipment on each other’s soil. Officials said it will ease joint drills and humanitarian operations. The approval came during a full session on Tuesday. The agreement marks a major milestone. It strengthens decades-old defence ties. It signals deeper trust between both sides.
Reports say the deal may irritate U.S. President Donald Trump further. He had already imposed a 25% additional tariff on India over Russian oil purchases. Washington closely watches India-Russia defence ties. Trump views such cooperation as a challenge. Increased deployment rights may raise concerns. U.S. pressure may grow. India may face sharper comments from Trump.
Putin will visit India on December 4–5 for his tenth trip. This will be his first visit since 2021. He is expected to hold wide-ranging talks with PM Modi. Defence cooperation will be the top agenda. The meeting will review old projects. They will discuss future military production. They may finalise new joint initiatives. The visit carries strategic weight.
India and Russia have been defence partners since the 1960s. India encourages foreign defence firms to partner with local manufacturers. The goal is to promote Make in India. Russia remains a key supplier. Many Indian platforms use Russian technology. Joint production has grown. Both nations want deeper long-term security ties.
The Kremlin called the visit extremely important. They said it will cover political, economic and scientific issues. Cultural and humanitarian topics will also be discussed. International matters will feature too. The visit aims to refresh the strategic agenda. It seeks to boost cooperation. Russia wants strong engagement with India.
Reports say India wants 300 new S-400 missiles. Stocks reduced after clashes with Pakistan in May. The S-400 performed strongly during Operation Sindoor. India may order additional batteries. Talks may include S-500 joint development. Other weapon systems are also likely. Defence cooperation may expand sharply. Negotiations appear positive.
The deployment pact allows unprecedented cooperation. It supports logistics, training and military movement. It strengthens trust beyond traditional defence trade. It signals long-term alignment. It boosts India’s strategic flexibility. It benefits Russia’s regional influence. The agreement reshapes regional military equations.