India Is Preparing For Putin Visit December: 23 Pacts Advance

India is preparing for Putin visit December as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Monday, November 18, 2025, to finalise agreements ahead of the 23rd annual summit. The discussions, held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting, covered trade, energy, and global conflicts including Ukraine. This Jaishankar Lavrov meeting Putin summit push aims to deepen the special and privileged strategic partnership.

Why This Matters for South Asia

The evolving India-Russia ties carry weight beyond bilateral gains. In a region shadowed by border frictions and energy vulnerabilities, these pacts bolster India’s strategic autonomy. Stable Russian oil supplies shield against global price spikes, crucial for South Asian economies reliant on imports. Defence collaborations enhance deterrence amid Pakistan-China alignments, while trade expansions via rupee-rouble mechanisms sidestep sanctions, fostering regional economic resilience. As Afghanistan’s instability lingers, shared views on counter-terrorism promote broader security. Ultimately, a robust Delhi-Moscow axis countersbalance influences, ensuring South Asia’s multipolar balance.

Jaishankar Lavrov Meeting Putin Summit Sets Tone

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Moscow leading the Indian delegation for the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, hosted by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The centrepiece was his bilateral with Lavrov at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reception House. Jaishankar termed the encounter “all the more important” given the proximity to President Vladimir Putin’s visit.

In opening remarks, Jaishankar stressed the enduring role of India-Russia relations. “India-Russia ties have long been a factor of stability in international relations,” he said. “Their growth and evolution is not only in our mutual interest but also in that of the world.” He highlighted six interactions between the two ministers this year alone, Crediting them for advancing cooperation.

Lavrov echoed the sentiment, declaring the privileged strategic partnership with India as Russia’s “top priority.” He noted Moscow views Delhi as a key focus in foreign policy, with the annual summit slated for the first week of December. “The next Russian-Indian summit will take place in New Delhi in three weeks,” Lavrov added, underscoring urgency.

The ministers exchanged frank assessments on the global landscape. Topics spanned the Ukraine conflict, Middle East tensions, and Afghanistan’s security. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s stance: “India supports recent efforts towards peace in Ukraine and hopes for an early cessation of the conflict for enduring peace.” Both sides pledged continued dialogue to navigate these challenges.

Post-meeting, Jaishankar shared updates on X. “Glad to meet FM Sergey Lavrov today in Moscow,” he posted. “Held discussions on our bilateral partnership covering trade and investment, energy, mobility, agriculture, technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges. Exchanged perspectives on regional, global and multilateral issues. Reviewed preparations for the 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit.”

India Russia Pacts Ahead Putin Visit Take Shape

At the core of India preparing for Putin visit December lies a slate of agreements under negotiation. Jaishankar revealed: “A number of bilateral agreements, initiatives and projects are under discussion in various fields. We look forward to their finalisation in the coming days.” These span multiple sectors, promising to inject fresh momentum into the partnership.

Energy and Trade: Building Sanction-Resistant Chains

Energy remains a linchpin. Bilateral trade hit USD 65 billion in 2024-25, with Russian crude comprising over 40% of India’s imports. Discussions focused on expanding liquefied natural gas deals and nuclear cooperation. Lavrov highlighted “transport and logistics chains immune to illegitimate external pressure,” aiming to sustain volumes despite Western curbs. India Russia pacts ahead Putin visit include mechanisms for rupee-rouble settlements, targeting USD 100 billion by 2030.

Investment flows also featured. Joint ventures in renewables and Arctic projects could unlock new revenue streams. Jaishankar noted progress in agriculture, with Russian fertiliser supplies vital for India’s harvests.

Defence and Technology: Core Pillars

Defence ties, valued at USD 20 billion historically, dominate agendas. Talks touched on S-400 deliveries and joint BrahMos production. Putin India annual summit preparations encompass co-development of next-gen fighters and submarines, enhancing interoperability.

Technology exchanges advanced too. Collaborations in AI, space, and cybersecurity align with India’s digital push. Mobility initiatives ease visa norms, while cultural pacts promote yoga centres and film festivals in Russia.

No exact figure emerged for pacts, but officials signal at least 23 items across 10 domains, tying into the summit numbering.

Putin India Annual Summit Preparations Accelerate

Preparations for the 23rd India-Russia summit trace back to September 1, 2025, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Putin on SCO sidelines in Tianjin. Modi expressed eagerness: “I was looking forward to receiving him in India for the 23rd Annual Summit later this year.” They reviewed economic, financial, and energy progress, alongside Ukraine developments. Modi reiterated calls for swift conflict resolution.

This Jaishankar Lavrov meeting Putin summit builds on that. Parallel engagements, like National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s talks with Nikolai Patrushev in New Delhi, synchronised security agendas.

The summit, hosted in New Delhi, will feature delegation-level huddles and a joint statement. Expect signings in connectivity, like the International North-South Transport Corridor, slashing Asia-Europe shipping times by 40%.

Background: A Legacy of Annual Summits

India-Russia annual summits date to 2000, evolving from post-Cold War foundations. The 22nd in Moscow, July 2024, yielded 15 pacts on trade and defence. This 23rd edition, amid geopolitical flux, reaffirms resilience. Trade has quadrupled since 2014, with energy deals offsetting global disruptions.