Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a two-day state visit to India on 4–5 December, marking his first trip in four years. The visit includes bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a state banquet, homage at Rajghat, and participation in the India–Russia Annual Summit and Business Forum.
Putin’s First India Trip in Four Years Packed with High-Stakes Diplomacy
New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to India begins on December 4th. This visit, taking place after a gap of four years, is significant because India-Russia relations are taking a new direction in the current geopolitical landscape. Putin's previous visit in 2021 lasted only a few hours, while this time his program will span two days and include several important meetings, felicitation ceremonies, and high-level talks.
Putin will arrive in New Delhi on the evening of December 4th. Immediately after his arrival, he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after which the two leaders will discuss bilateral issues. Later that evening, PM Modi will host a private dinner in Putin's honor. This informal meeting is expected to include in-depth discussions on issues such as energy cooperation, defense partnership, and geopolitical coordination.
Putin’s visit to boost India-Russia relations; Can ties defy western pressure?
On December 5th, Putin will receive a formal welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will then visit Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. This traditional diplomatic gesture reflects the historic warmth of India-Russia relations.
Putin will then participate in bilateral and delegation-level meetings at Hyderabad House. Representatives from defense, agriculture, shipping, free trade, nuclear energy, and industry will also attend the meeting. The participation of several prominent industrialists indicates that economic cooperation between the two countries could gain new momentum.
In the afternoon, both leaders will address the India-Russia Business Forum, where future prospects in investment, trade, technological cooperation, and the energy sector will be discussed. In the evening, President Draupadi Murmu will host a banquet in Putin's honor. Afterward, Putin will depart for Moscow.
Defense partnership has been the backbone of India-Russia relations and will remain a key theme during this visit. Amid pressure from the United States and changing global dynamics, India remains dependent on Russia for several critical defense systems. Russia has already offered India its advanced Su-57 fighter aircraft, and progress is expected in negotiations on this.
Additional sales of the S-400 long-range air defense system are also on the agenda. According to Russia, joint projects like the BrahMos project demonstrate the depth of technological cooperation between the two countries.
Putin’s India Visit: S-400, Su-57 jets and deeper strategic cooperation — what’s on the agenda?
Russia wants India to increase technology supplies and investment in its oil industry, as Western sanctions have made many equipment companies unavailable. Additionally, India may seek to restore its 20% stake in the Sakhalin-1 project.
Cooperation is also expected to increase in the civilian nuclear energy sector. Russia is willing to share small and advanced nuclear reactor technology with India. The ongoing partnership on the Kudankulam project provides a strong foundation for this cooperation.
Putin's visit is considered not just a diplomatic formality but a path to a future strategic partnership. Several important agreements are expected to be signed in the areas of defense, energy, nuclear cooperation, and trade, providing a strong foundation for relations between the two countries for the next decade.
