First Visit Since 2021
NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India on December 4, 2025, for a two‑day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks his first trip to India since 2021 and comes at a time when global geopolitics and regional partnerships are under close international scrutiny.
Participation in 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit
Putin will attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, a long‑standing mechanism that has been central to bilateral relations between the two countries. The summit is expected to review progress in defense cooperation, energy partnerships, trade expansion, and technological collaboration.
During the visit, Putin will hold high‑level talks with Prime Minister Modi and meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu. Officials say the agenda will include strengthening strategic ties and addressing pressing global issues such as regional security, energy stability, and multilateral cooperation.
Strategic Importance of the Visit
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the visit provides an important opportunity to reassess bilateral relations and reinforce the strategic partnership. India and Russia have historically maintained close defense and energy ties, with Russia being a key supplier of military hardware and nuclear technology to India.
Diplomatic observers note that the visit comes at a sensitive time, as Russia continues to face Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict. India’s balancing act between its traditional partnership with Moscow and growing ties with the United States and Europe will be closely watched.
Background and Context
Putin last visited India in December 2021. Since the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine war in February 2022, he has not made an official trip to India. Notably, he skipped the G20 Summit hosted in New Delhi in September 2023, sending Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in his place.
The upcoming visit is therefore seen as a significant diplomatic gesture, signaling Russia’s intent to re‑engage directly with India at the highest level.
Global and Regional Dimensions
Analysts expect discussions to also touch on global issues such as the Ukraine war, energy security, and cooperation within multilateral forums like BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the United Nations. India’s role as a major Asian power and Russia’s search for reliable partners amid strained relations with the West make this summit particularly important.