But the larger goal, say analysts will be to tilt the impression that the relation has been strained in a year when India grew closer to the United States and Russia made overtures to Pakistan for the first time. To that end, PM Modi will discuss several big ticket defence deals which would allow Russia to reclaim its position as the top military supplier to India, a spot that the U.S. has held for a few years.

“Russia provided defence equipment to India and international support when few were willing to hold our hands,” Mr. Modi told Russian news agency ITAR-TASS in a written interview. “Indians will never forget the Russian support that we got when we needed it the most.”

Responding to a question from The Hindu at a briefing on the visit, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar also rejected the idea that India had moved closer to the U.S. or any “one country on a permanent basis.” The “depth and breath” of the relationship with Russia could not be compared in those terms. “I don’t share this zero-sum game approach,” Mr. Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Modi will begin his visit with a one-on-one dinner with Russian President Putin, which officials termed “potentially a very significant chat.” Apart from the bilateral discussions, the leaders are expected to discuss the conflict in Syria, and Russia’s decision to assist President Assad’s forces to fight ISIS.