Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to India on December 4-5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced Friday, marking his first trip to New Delhi since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin will hold bilateral talks with the Indian leader, covering the full spectrum of the “particularly privileged strategic partnership”—from politics, trade, and economy to science, technology, culture, and humanitarian ties. President Droupadi Murmu will receive Putin and host a state banquet in his honor. A number of intergovernmental and commercial documents are expected to be signed, though specifics remain undisclosed.
The Kremlin described the visit as “of great importance,” providing an opportunity to “comprehensively discuss the extensive agenda of Russian-Indian relations.” This annual summit, alternating between the two capitals since 2000, follows the 22nd edition in Moscow in July 2024.
🇷🇺🇮🇳 On December 4-5, President #Putin will pay a state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister @narendramodi.
This visit carries special importance, offering an opportunity to review the entire #RussiaIndia special & privileged strategic partnership.#DruzhbaDosti pic.twitter.com/zb0qICLpDp
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) November 28, 2025
The agenda comes amid evolving global dynamics: India, a major Russian oil buyer (imports hit record highs in 2024 despite Western sanctions), faces US President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on Indian goods imposed in August—prompting Moscow’s condemnation as “illegal trade pressure.” Trade sources indicate India’s December Russian oil imports may drop to three-year lows as refiners navigate sanctions risks.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasized India’s “strategic autonomy” Friday at an industry event: “Russians have been our friends through fair and foul weather… We won’t stop defence cooperation anytime soon, but we’re diversifying suppliers and prioritizing domestic production.” India has purchased nearly $30 billion in US arms over the past decade, while Russia’s share of Indian imports fell to 36% (2020–2024) per SIPRI.
Putin’s last India visit was December 2021; the 2022 Ukraine war strained ties, though Modi has urged peace, stating “this is not the time for war.” The summit may address S-400 delivery delays and new contracts, per sources.
With bilateral trade reaching $65 billion in 2024 (up 47% YoY), the leaders will likely explore diversification, including agri-medical imports to offset India’s tariff losses, as Putin previously offered.
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This visit underscores enduring India-Russia bonds amid geopolitical shifts, with New Delhi balancing partnerships for energy security and defence self-reliance.
