Russian President Vladimir Putin begins his India visit on Thursday, 4 December 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He lands in New Delhi at 6:35 PM for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Talks span defence, energy, and trade. This marks Putin’s first trip to India since the 2022 Ukraine invasion. The agenda includes potential new deals on advanced weaponry.
This Putin India visit carries weight across South Asia. India and Russia share a strategic partnership dating to 2000, upgraded to “special and privileged” in 2010. Bilateral trade hit USD 68.72 billion in fiscal year 2025, per India Brand Equity Foundation data. Russia supplies 36 per cent of India’s defence imports, vital against threats from China and Pakistan. Energy ties provide discounted oil, saving India USD 8 billion annually. In a region of contested borders, these links enhance India’s security posture while countering US tariffs of 50 per cent on Indian exports, half tied to Russian oil purchases. Progress here could stabilise supply chains for South Asian economies reliant on Indian trade.
Putin Modi Summit 2025: Itinerary and Expectations
The Putin Modi summit 2025 kicks off with a private dinner hosted by Modi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg on 4 December. Putin stays at ITC Maurya in the Chanakya Suite. On 5 December, a ceremonial welcome awaits at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 11 AM. Putin visits Rajghat to honour Mahatma Gandhi. Bilateral talks follow at Hyderabad House around noon. Leaders issue a joint statement post-discussions. A working lunch precedes the India-Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam. President Droupadi Murmu hosts a state banquet at 7 PM. Putin departs at 9:30 PM.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the visit as “of great importance.” He noted discussions cover “the extensive agenda of Russian-Indian relations within the particularly privileged strategic partnership in the political, trade, economic, scientific, technological, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.” Unspecified intergovernmental and commercial documents will be signed. The summit reviews progress in key sectors and exchanges views on regional issues.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the visit provides “an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Putin in Moscow on 27 November, conveying Modi’s greetings and briefing on summit preparations.
S-400 Deal Putin India: Expansion on the Table
Defence dominates the S-400 deal Putin India talks. India signed a USD 5.43 billion pact in 2018 for five S-400 regiments. Three squadrons deployed by 2025; the rest arrive by 2027. Russia offers two to three additional regiments, plus 300 missiles. Kremlin confirmed the topic. Peskov said: “The issue of S-400s certainly will be on the agenda during the coming Putin visit to India.”
The S-400 proved effective in May 2025’s Operation Sindoor, intercepting Pakistani drones at 300 km range. India seeks 50 per cent technology transfer for local production of 48N6 missiles. Russia ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) pact on 3 December, easing wartime supplies. Russia’s Duma approved it earlier.
Challenges persist. Western sanctions delayed deliveries due to chip shortages. India’s share of Russian imports fell to 36 per cent in 2019-2023, per SIPRI, as diversification grows with France and the US. Yet, Russia remains key for air defence against regional foes. Analysts note CAATSA risks, but Washington granted waivers in 2022 for Indo-Pacific strategy.
Talks may include S-500 systems, Russia’s advanced shield. Rosoboronexport proposed it at Dubai Airshow 2025. Joint ventures like BrahMos exemplify tech sharing.
India Russia Ukraine Peace Talks: Geopolitical Shadow
India Russia Ukraine peace talks feature prominently. Putin arrives as US-Russia negotiations stall. On 2 December, Putin met US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for five hours. No compromise emerged on territorial concessions. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov called it “constructive” but substantive gaps remain. Russia demands NATO halt and recognition of annexed regions.
India supports all peace initiatives. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on 26 November: “India has taken note of emerging reports on the peace plan, while reaffirming India’s consistent position on the issue.” Modi told Putin in September: “This is not an era of war.” Germany urged India to press Russia for talks in September 2025.
The war impacts South Asia. Russia’s Ukraine focus slows arms deliveries, pushing India to diversify. Yet, India bought USD 63.84 billion in Russian imports in 2025, including oil. US tariffs, announced in October, target this, risking USD 20 billion in Indian trade surplus. Putin emphasised elevating ties with India and China to counter sanctions.
In SCO talks on 1 September, Modi called the partnership “special and privileged.” Putin hailed it as “friendly, trusting.” BRICS alignment grows; India assumes chair in 2026.
Trade and Energy: Targets and Tariffs
Bilateral trade aims for USD 100 billion by 2030. Exports to Russia: USD 4.88 billion; imports: USD 63.84 billion. Focus areas: energy, agriculture, health. Russia pledged nuclear expansion beyond Kudankulam. RuPay-Mir linkage eases sanctions-hit payments.
US pressure looms. Trump urged Modi to curb Russian oil buys. India imports 19 per cent of needs from Russia, lowest in three years per December data. Putin plans “qualitatively new level” cooperation.
Background: Enduring Partnership
Ties trace to Soviet era. Putin elevated to strategic in 2000. Annual summits since: 22 held. Last in-person: December 2021. Modi visited Moscow twice in 2024. Phone talks in 2025 covered Ukraine, terrorism.
What’s Next for Putin India Visit
The Putin India visit sets a 2030 roadmap. Success hinges on balancing US ties. Defence pacts could reshape regional security, while peace signals aid global stability. Russia eyes India as counterweight; New Delhi prioritises autonomy.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 4th, 2025
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