New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India on a two-day state visit from December 4 to attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday. During the visit, he will hold high-level bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In its official statement, the MEA said, “At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Russian Federation HE Vladimir Putin will pay a State visit to India from 04–05 December 2025 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. During the visit, President Putin will hold talks with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji will also receive President Putin and host a banquet in his honour.”
This will be Putin’s first visit to India since December 2021, when he attended the previous summit held in New Delhi. The annual summit, hosted alternately by both nations, saw PM Modi visiting Moscow in July last year.
Summit aims to deepen strategic partnership
According to the MEA, the summit will offer an important platform to review progress in bilateral cooperation and lay down a forward-looking roadmap for enhancing the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between the two nations.
“The forthcoming State Visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” the ministry stated.
India and Russia have maintained long-standing defence, energy, and geopolitical cooperation, and the summit is expected to reinforce this engagement.
Key defence deals expected to be discussed
One of the major agenda points is likely to be India’s proposal to acquire five additional S-400 Triumf air-defence squadrons, along with a substantial stock of surface-to-air missiles for systems already deployed. The S-400 platforms, which performed strongly during Operation Sindoor, remain central to India’s air-defence strategy.
Top officials have indicated that Russia is also pushing India to consider purchasing Sukhoi-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft, positioned as an alternative to the American F-35 jets. However, India has not yet taken a final decision and is evaluating options, reportedly considering two or three squadrons.
Ukraine conflict likely to feature in talks
The ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict is also expected to come up during the Modi–Putin discussions. India has maintained a consistent stance calling for diplomacy and peace.
Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to discuss developments in the conflict. Jaishankar noted, “Had a telecon with FM Andrii Sybiha last evening. Appreciate his briefing on the ongoing developments related to the Ukraine conflict. Reiterated India’s support for an early end to this conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace.”
India is expected to reiterate its emphasis on dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Outlook
Putin’s December visit is poised to carry significant diplomatic weight, marking a renewed engagement between the two countries at a time of shifting global geopolitical alignments. The summit is expected to deliver clarity on major defence procurements, energy partnerships and the evolving global security landscape, while reaffirming the strong strategic ties between New Delhi and Moscow.