“India–Russia Relations 2025: What Happened During Putin’s Visit

📄 Overview — What, When and Why

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on 4 December 2025 for a two-day state visit.
The visit is part of the regular cycle of annual bilateral summits between India and Russia — this is the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, alternating between the two countries.
The formal invitation came from Narendra Modi, and the trip was confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
During this short visit, the aim is to review the full spectrum of bilateral ties — from defence, energy and trade to global geopolitical issues.

According to MEA, the summit “provides an opportunity … to review progress in bilateral relations, set the vision for strengthening the ‘special and privileged strategic partnership’ and exchange views on regional and global issues.”
This is especially relevant because this is Putin’s first official visit to India since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022

Defence ties are expected to be high on the agenda. Reports mention India’s potential procurement of additional long-range air-defence systems (e.g. S-400 air defence system) and possibly advanced jets like Su-57 stealth fighter.
A recent Russian military delegation’s visit to Indian Army formations for “integrated safety and security of defence infrastructure” suggests ongoing close cooperation.

Energy supply — especially oil — remains central. Given global tensions and pressure on countries to curb ties with Russia, continuing energy cooperation is significant.
Civilian nuclear cooperation and other sectors (trade, industry) are also expected to be discussed.
Both countries likely intend to sign multiple inter-governmental and business-to-business agreements, spanning public and private sectors.

The visit occurs amid continued geopolitical tensions following the war in Ukraine, and under pressure from Western countries on India’s relations with Russia. Al Jazeera+2India Today+2
By hosting Putin now, India reaffirms its independent foreign policy stance — signaling that despite global pressures, it values long-term strategic relation with Russia. India Today+2बिज़नेस स्टैंडर्ड+2

On 5 December, Putin will be welcomed at the presidential palace for a formal ceremony including guard-of-honour, followed by a visit to Raj Ghat — the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.
The main bilateral talks will be held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, where high-level discussions between Russian and Indian delegations will focus on defence, energy, trade, and broader strategic cooperation.
Both state-level agreements and private-sector / business-level deals are expected — ranging from defence manufacturing, energy supply, joint ventures, and possibly in sectors like nuclear energy, infrastructure, agriculture, etc.

For India, the visit means access to Russian defence technology and energy resources — crucial for national security and energy needs — especially at a time of global uncertainty.
For Russia, strengthening ties with India helps maintain its global relevance, diversify its economic and strategic partnerships despite Western sanctions, and find reliable energy and defence partners.
For the global geopolitical landscape, the visit signals that major powers like India are pursuing a “multi-aligned” policy — not strictly aligned to any bloc, but balancing relations with both Western and non-Western powers.
Much also depends on the agreements signed — if major defence & energy deals get sealed, it could reshape regional power dynamics and trade/ defence-industry landscapes.

Will India place orders for additional S-400 systems or advanced Russian aircraft (e.g. Su-57)?
Will there be major energy / oil supply commitments from Russia to India — particularly given global pressure on Russian oil trade?
Will civilian nuclear cooperation (e.g. in nuclear power or technologies) see new agreements or revival/acceleration?
What new trade / joint-venture deals — especially in non-defence sectors (industry, infrastructure, energy, agriculture) — will be announced.
How the global reaction plays out — will this strengthen India’s strategic autonomy, or lead to friction with Western powers pushing against deep Russia-India ties.