The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a State Visit to India from December 4 to 5, 2025. The visit is at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and is scheduled for the highly anticipated 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
This will be President Putin's first trip to India since 2021, making the summit a particularly significant event amid rising global geopolitical tensions and the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
High-Stakes Agenda: Defence, Trade, and Global Geopolitics
The two-day State Visit is structured to provide an opportunity for the leadership of both nations to hold comprehensive bilateral talks and review the progress of their long-standing "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership."
Key Areas of Discussion:
- Defence Cooperation: The core of the bilateral relationship, defence ties are expected to be a major focus. India is likely to push for timely delivery of the remaining S-400 Triumf air defence missile squadrons and may seek discussions on procuring additional S-400 systems and related missile stocks. The upgrade of India's fleet of Sukhoi-30MKI fighters is also on the agenda.
- Trade and Energy: Following increased trade volumes, especially in Russian oil imports to India, the summit will focus on strengthening energy cooperation, finalizing long-term deals, and addressing the trade imbalance. Discussions are expected on linking the two nations' national payment systems to bypass Western sanctions.
- Global and Regional Issues: The leaders will exchange views on the global geopolitical landscape, including the situation surrounding the Ukraine conflict. PM Modi is expected to reiterate India's stance advocating for diplomacy and an early resolution, upholding the principle that "this is not an era of war."
- Bilateral Documents: The Kremlin confirmed that upon concluding the negotiations, the leaders plan to issue a joint statement and sign a series of bilateral inter-agency and commercial documents across various sectors including political, economic, scientific, technological, cultural, and humanitarian fields.
Summit Schedule
During the visit, President Putin will hold detailed talks with Prime Minister Modi. Furthermore, President Droupadi Murmu will receive President Putin and host a ceremonial banquet in his honour.
The outcome of this summit is closely watched by international capitals, as New Delhi continues its delicate diplomatic balancing act between its traditional defence partner, Moscow, and its growing strategic partner, Washington.
