Warm Welcome in Delhi
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on December 4, 2025, for a two‑day state visit that marks a significant moment in India–Russia relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received him at Palam Airport, breaking protocol with a warm embrace. In a symbolic gesture of camaraderie, the two leaders shared a car ride to Modi’s residence, where they held a private dinner. This informal start set the tone for candid discussions ahead of the formal summit.
The 23rd Annual Summit
The centrepiece of Putin’s visit is the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, scheduled at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. This summit continues a tradition of annual high‑level engagements between the two countries, underscoring the resilience of their strategic partnership despite global geopolitical turbulence.
At Hyderabad House, Modi and Putin are expected to discuss a wide range of issues:
- Defence cooperation: including progress on the S‑400 air defence systems, potential collaboration on Su‑57 fighter jets, and joint production of military equipment.
- Energy security: expansion of India’s imports of Russian oil and gas, and strengthening rupee–ruble trade mechanisms to bypass Western sanctions.
- Technology & nuclear energy: collaboration in nuclear power projects, space exploration, and advanced technologies.
- Mobility agreements: easing movement of skilled professionals between the two countries.
Putin’s Programme in India
Beyond the summit, Putin’s itinerary reflects both ceremonial and strategic dimensions:
- Ceremonial Welcome: On December 5, Putin will be accorded a guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a wreath‑laying ceremony at Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
- Bilateral Talks: Formal discussions with Modi at Hyderabad House, followed by delegation‑level talks involving defence, energy, and trade officials.
- Agreements Signing: Several MoUs are expected, covering defence logistics, energy cooperation, and technology partnerships.
- Meeting with President Droupadi Murmu: Putin will call on the President of India, reaffirming the diplomatic depth of the visit.
- Business Engagements: Interaction with Indian and Russian business leaders to explore opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Putin is also scheduled to attend a cultural programme showcasing India’s heritage, symbolising people‑to‑people ties.
Strategic Context
This visit is Putin’s first to India since 2021, and comes amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict and shifting global alliances. For India, the summit highlights its multi‑alignment strategy—maintaining strong ties with Russia while deepening partnerships with the United States, Europe, and other Asian powers.
Russia remains a critical defence partner for India, supplying nearly 60% of its military hardware. At the same time, India has diversified procurement to include Western systems. The RELOS agreement ratified earlier this year further strengthens military interoperability, allowing reciprocal use of bases and logistics.
Expected Outcomes
- Defence Deals: Progress on joint production and technology transfer.
- Energy Security: Long‑term contracts for Russian oil and gas supplies.
- Trade Expansion: Strengthening rupee–ruble settlement mechanisms to reduce reliance on the dollar.
- Mobility Pact: Facilitating skilled workforce exchanges.
- Strategic Trust: Reinforcing the historic partnership amid global uncertainty.
Editorial Note
The Modi–Putin summit of December 2025 is more than a diplomatic ritual—it is a reaffirmation of a decades‑long partnership that continues to adapt to new realities. By combining ceremonial warmth with hard‑nosed strategic dialogue, both leaders signal that India–Russia ties remain a cornerstone of Eurasian geopolitics.