New Delhi, December 4, 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi today for a two-day state visit to India, marking his first trip to the country since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022. He was received with full ceremonial honours, underscoring India’s continued commitment to its long-standing strategic partnership with Russia.
Putin’s visit comes for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are expected to hold comprehensive discussions at Hyderabad House, followed by a private dinner on the day of arrival — a gesture reflecting the personal rapport between Modi and Putin.
Both nations will review the entire spectrum of their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” with emphasis on:
- Talks are expected to cover ongoing defence projects, including the S-400 missile system and potential collaboration on Su-57 stealth fighter jets.
- Russia recently ratified a key defence logistics pact ahead of the visit, signalling deeper military engagement.
- The summit aims to boost Indian exports to Russia and diversify the bilateral trade basket beyond energy and defence.
- Both sides are exploring new cooperation in pharmaceuticals, machinery, agriculture, energy, and transport connectivity, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- Progress in civil nuclear cooperation, including ongoing work at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, remains a central agenda point.
- Discussions are expected on long-term energy supplies, including crude oil and LNG.
- India and Russia are also negotiating agreements to expand legal labour mobility, enabling Indian skilled workers to find opportunities in Russia’s technology and manufacturing sectors.
The visit comes at a tense moment globally. Russia continues to face Western sanctions, while India is balancing its ties between Russia and Western partners. Despite external pressure, New Delhi has maintained its strategic autonomy on foreign policy, especially regarding energy imports and defence procurement.
Diplomatic observers say the summit reaffirms India’s commitment to a multi-polar world order, while giving Russia a platform to strengthen its Asian partnerships amid the Ukraine conflict.
The visit is expected to conclude with the signing of multiple agreements across trade, defence, technology, nuclear energy, workforce mobility, and strategic cooperation. A joint statement by Modi and Putin is likely to outline a renewed roadmap for India–Russia relations over the next decade.
Putin and Modi will meet again on December 5 for bilateral talks before the Russian President departs for Moscow.
