New Delhi | December 4, 2025 :
Russian President Vladimir Putin begins his two-day state visit to India today, marking an important diplomatic engagement that is expected to shape the next phase of India–Russia relations. Putin will be in New Delhi on December 4 and 5, 2025, attending high-level meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participating in the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. This is Putin’s first visit to India in four years, his last being in December 2021.
This year’s summit carries heightened significance due to global geopolitical tensions, shifts in energy markets, and the evolving strategic landscape influenced by the Ukraine conflict.
Putin’s December 4 Schedule
President Putin will arrive in New Delhi on the evening of December 4. Upon arrival, he will meet Prime Minister Modi for a private bilateral discussion focused on defense, trade, nuclear cooperation, and strategic coordination.
Later in the evening, Putin will attend a private dinner hosted by PM Modi, underscoring the close personal rapport between the two leaders.
Putin’s December 5 Schedule
On the second day of the visit:
Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
He will then visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
This will be followed by formal bilateral and delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House, where several major agreements are expected.
Key Indian industrial leaders are likely to participate in the expanded delegation meeting.
Later, Putin and PM Modi will jointly attend the India–Russia Business Forum, aimed at boosting commercial ties.
In the evening, President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet for Putin, after which he will depart for Moscow.
Major Agreements Expected During the Visit
Defense and Missile Systems
Putin’s visit is expected to revive and potentially expand defense cooperation:
Discussions are underway on additional units of the S-400 air defense system.
Russia has also offered India its advanced Su-57 stealth fighter jet, a proposal likely to feature in the talks.
Joint ventures in missile technology, including the BrahMos program, remain central to future cooperation.
Despite U.S. pressure and shifting geopolitical dynamics, India continues to rely heavily on Russian-origin defense equipment.
Energy, Nuclear Cooperation & Trade Expansion
Energy security remains a core agenda item:
Russia aims to increase crude oil sales to India and expand cooperation in civil nuclear energy, including next-generation small modular reactors.
India may push to restore its 20% stake in the Sakhalin-1 oil project.
Russian lender Sberbank, part of the visiting delegation, has expressed interest in rupee-based infrastructure investments in India.
Russia is seeking India’s assistance in supplying technical equipment for its sanctioned energy companies.
Officials have already held pre-summit discussions on free trade, agriculture, logistics, and shipping corridors.
Kremlin Confirms S-400 and Nuclear Deals on Agenda
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, addressing Indian journalists via video conference, confirmed that the S-400 missile system is a key item on the agenda.
He emphasized that India and Russia do not merely engage in defense purchases but also share high-level technological cooperation, calling the BrahMos joint venture a model for future collaborations.
Peskov also suggested that new agreements on nuclear energy are possible, with Russia keen to extend its cooperation beyond the Kudankulam project.
Strategic Importance of the Visit
Putin’s return to New Delhi comes at a critical time:
India is balancing relations with both Russia and the West.
Recent U.S.–Russia informal talks on the Ukraine conflict have given India slightly more diplomatic flexibility.
Both nations seek to reaffirm their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”, which has been the foundation of bilateral ties for decades.
Experts believe this visit could revive momentum in defense ties, stabilize energy cooperation, and open new avenues for technology and industrial collaboration.
