President Vladimir Putin is visiting India on December 4–5, 2025, for a state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, primarily to hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit and strengthen bilateral ties amid global challenges. The visit marks the first time Putin has traveled to India since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia Strategic Partnership.
Key Objectives of the Visit:
• Boosting Trade and Economic Cooperation: Discussions will focus on enhancing trade relations, with India as Russia’s largest buyer of seaborne oil and arms. This comes as Western sanctions on Russia intensify, prompting efforts to deepen energy and defense partnerships. Putin has publicly questioned U.S. pressure on India’s Russian oil imports, and the leaders are expected to address potential sanctions relief for India.
• Strategic and Diplomatic Reaffirmation: The summit aims to reaffirm the longstanding alliance between the two nations, covering areas like defense, technology, and regional security. It underscores India’s balanced foreign policy amid geopolitical tensions.
Agenda Highlights:
• December 4: Arrival in New Delhi, followed by an informal dinner with PM Modi.
• December 5: Ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan with President Droupadi Murmu; tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial (Rajghat); delegation-level talks with Modi; joint press statements; a business roundtable with Indian industry leaders; and a final meeting with President Murmu before departure.
This 27-hour visit highlights the resilience of India-Russia relations despite international pressures.