Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi at 4:30 PM on Thursday, December 4, 2025, marking the start of a two-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trip hosts the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, focused on reviewing bilateral progress and signing up to 25 agreements. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, Putin will hold talks on defence, trade, and energy cooperation. This marks his first visit to India since the 2022 Ukraine conflict, underscoring enduring strategic bonds.
The Putin India visit holds critical weight for South Asia, where it reinforces India’s defence posture against border threats from China and Pakistan. With Russian arms comprising 36 per cent of India’s military inventory, the summit advances joint production and technology transfers. It also secures energy supplies amid global volatility, stabilising prices for oil-importing nations like Pakistan and Bangladesh. Enhanced trade targets could reshape regional supply chains, fostering economic resilience in a multipolar world.
Arrival Signals Strong Start to Putin India Visit
Putin departed Moscow earlier on December 4, touching down at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi shortly before 4:30 PM local time. Indian officials greeted him with full ceremonial honours, including a guard of honour. Prime Minister Modi hosted a private dinner at his residence immediately after arrival, setting an informal tone for discussions.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the schedule in a press release dated November 28, 2025. “President Vladimir Putin will pay a State visit to India from 04-05 December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit,” the statement noted. It highlighted reviews of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, elevated in December 2010.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed this, stating the visit provides “an opportunity to comprehensively discuss the extensive agenda of Russian-Indian relations.” In a November 28 announcement, the Kremlin detailed meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Modi, plus adoption of a joint statement.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X at 7:02 AM GMT: “President Vladimir Putin of Russia will soon be arriving in India on a State Visit. Watch highlights of various facets of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” The post included a video on historical ties.
This Putin India visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership, first forged in October 2000. Bilateral trade hit a record $68.7 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year, per official data. Both nations aim for $100 billion by 2030, prioritising diversification beyond energy.
India Russia Summit: Core Agenda Unveiled
The India Russia summit spans December 4 and 5, blending formal and restricted talks. On Friday, Putin receives a tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will pay homage at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, before delegation-level discussions at Hyderabad House.
Talks cover trade, economy, science, technology, culture, humanitarian affairs, agriculture, and academia. Officials expect signing of 10 intergovernmental documents and over 15 entity-level memorandums. Key sectors include pharmaceuticals, machinery, and agricultural products.
Denis Manturov, Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade, described the event as “a major step toward deepening the strategic partnership.” He noted it revives annual high-level summits, paused since 2021.
Energy features prominently, with Russia supplying discounted crude oil to India. This has insulated South Asian economies from price spikes, though it draws scrutiny from Western partners. Discussions may advance cooperation on Small Modular Reactors and Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 5 and 6.
The summit builds on recent engagements. Modi and Putin last met in person on September 1, 2025, in Tianjin, China, during the SCO Summit. They issued a joint statement on enduring partnership in July 2024, during the 22nd summit in Moscow.
Putin Modi Meeting: Diplomatic Spotlight
The Putin Modi meeting forms the summit’s centrepiece. Leaders will exchange views on regional and global issues, including Ukraine developments and counter-terrorism. Modi received Russia’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Saint Andrew, in July 2024.
Peskov previewed the dialogue: “This visit is of great importance, providing an opportunity to discuss the entire extensive scope of Russia-India special and privileged strategic partnership.” He emphasised politics, trade, science, and humanitarian ties.
A joint statement follows talks, alongside business agreements. The delegation includes Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, plus executives from Rosneft and Sberbank. This composition signals intent to expand commercial links.
For South Asia, the Putin Modi meeting matters as it aligns on multipolar security. India values Russia’s neutral stance on regional disputes, enabling balanced diplomacy. Frequent leader contacts including calls on January 15, March 20, June 5, and August 27, 2024 have sustained momentum.
Russia India Defence Deals Take Centre Stage
Russia India defence deals dominate the agenda, with potential pacts on air defence and fighter jets. India operates three S-400 regiments under a $5.4 billion 2018 deal, with two more pending delivery. Peskov confirmed: “Highly on the agenda… Russian arms 36% in Indian armed forces and hopefully will continue.”
Talks explore additional S-400 units and co-production of the Su-57 stealth fighter. “Su-57 is the best plane in the world. Su-57 will be on the agenda,” Peskov added. Upgrades for Su-30MKI jets and faster hardware deliveries also feature.
The BrahMos supersonic missile programme exemplifies ties. Peskov highlighted: “It’s not only just production or acts of buying or selling, it’s also the exchange of high technologies.” Joint ventures pave the way for advanced systems.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh noted last week: “The meeting will focus on broader elements of institutional cooperation… Potentially, S-400 additional is not ruled out.” Coordination on exercises and disaster relief rounds out discussions.
These Russia India defence deals bolster India’s capabilities amid Ladakh standoffs and Pahalgam incidents. Russian platforms form the backbone of India’s air and naval forces, ensuring interoperability.
Background: Evolution of Strategic Ties
India and Russia elevated ties to a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in 2010, building on Cold War foundations. The 22nd summit in Moscow yielded nine MoUs and a strategic economic roadmap to 2030.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s August 2025 Moscow visit advanced the NSA-level dialogue. The 23rd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation convened in October 2025.
Trade surged post-2022, with Russia becoming India’s top oil supplier. Non-energy exports grew 47 per cent year-on-year, per Ministry data.
What’s Next for Putin India Visit Outcomes
Post-summit, Putin departs December 5 evening. Implementation of signed pacts follows through working groups. Leaders pledged deeper counter-terrorism collaboration after the May 2025 Pahalgam attack.
The Putin India visit promises to elevate ties, targeting qualitative leaps in defence and trade. As Modi stated in Tianjin, it charts a “bright future” for mutual prosperity.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 4th, 2025
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