At a time when global energy markets are under strain due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, India turned to Russia to buy oil after US President Donald Trump granted a 30-day waiver to do so. While India and Russia share cordial ties, the latter’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov’s latest visit has added fresh momentum to the long-standing strategic partnership.
Manturov received a warm welcome on his arrival in New Delhi. Along with being the First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation, he is also the co- Chair of India Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade , Economic, Scientific, Technological & Cultural Cooperation.
Worth noting here is that Russian Deputy PM Manturov’s India’s visit and the high-level engagements here come just days after India cleared the procurement of an additional batch of five S-400 air defence systems from Russia, underlining the dual focus on energy security and defence preparedness.
What makes Manturov’s India visit significant now?
Manturov’s two-day visit comes at a geopolitically sensitive moment, with disruptions in oil supply chains pushing India to once again lean on Russia for stable energy imports. The visit also gains importance as both countries seek to insulate their partnership from global uncertainties, particularly amid sanctions, supply chain disruptions, and volatility in the Strait of Hormuz.
On Thursday (April 2, 2026), he called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed expanding cooperation across key sectors including investment, energy, fertilisers, and connectivity. According to the official readout, Manturov briefed the Prime Minister on progress in areas such as trade, economic partnership and people-to-people exchanges.
PM Modi highlighted continuity in ties, stating, “I welcome the consistent efforts being made by both sides to implement the decisions taken at the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, held during President Putin’s visit to India in December last year.” He also conveyed greetings to President Vladimir Putin and expressed optimism over continued high-level engagement.
What key discussions took place with Jaishankar and Sitharaman?
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held an in-depth conversation with Manturov, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade and industry, energy and fertilisers, connectivity and mobility. In a post on X, he said, “Pleased to host First DPM Denis Manturov of Russia today in New Delhi,” and added that discussions also explored “new opportunities in technology, innovation, and critical minerals,” while both sides exchanged views on the West Asia conflict.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also met Manturov, with both leaders discussing ways to strengthen trade and investment ties and address issues of mutual interest.
Manturov’s meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval focused on defence cooperation and regional security, including the evolving West Asia situation. This assumes added significance as India moves ahead with strengthening its defence capabilities through Russian platforms.
India-Russia S-400 missile deal
Manturov’s India visit comes shortly after India cleared procurement of five additional S-400 air defence systems, reinforcing its layered air defence architecture. While 3 S-400 squadrons have already been delivered, the next system is expected in the coming weeks, and the 5th unit is likely by the end of the year.
The decision follows the system’s proven performance during Operation Sindoor, where it played a key role in India’s operational edge. Moreover, India is also negotiating a Rs 10,000 crore deal for 280 S-400 missiles to replenish stocks used during the operation.
What other defence and industrial developments are underway?
The India-Russia defence partnership continues to expand as BrahMos cruise missiles (Indo-Russian) are being inducted further, Sukhoi-30MKI kits have arrived, with HAL set to deliver 13 aircraft. In addition, discussions are ongoing on integrating systems into India’s ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence network.
These developments reflect a broader push towards operational readiness and indigenous manufacturing with foreign collaboration.
Meanwhile, with oil markets disrupted by the West Asia conflict, energy cooperation has become central to India-Russia ties. Both sides discussed strengthening collaboration in oil and gas supplies, fertiliser security, industrial and economic linkages. Worth noting here is that Russia has remained a key supplier of discounted crude oil to India.