Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening (December 4, 2025) for a two-day state visit, marking one of India’s most significant diplomatic engagements of the year. The visit comes at a time when global geopolitics is undergoing rapid transformation, making India’s relationship with Russia increasingly pivotal.
In his first visit to India since the Ukraine war began in February 2022, Putin was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself at the Palam Technical Airport with a hug, handshake and a smile that spoke volumes of the burgeoning India-Russia ties.
Russian President Putin and PM Modi shared a hug as the latter received the Russian leader at the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi. Both the leaders travelled in the same car – a white Toyota bearing the registration number plate of Maharashtra – as they departed from the airport.
Putin in India: What to look forward to?
Russian President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India, during which he is scheduled to hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Modi on Friday (December 5, 2025). Putin’s attendance at the summit will mark the resumption of a tradition interrupted by the war, and a crucial platform for both nations to review bilateral ties.
Notably, Putin’s India visit is also significant as it signals Moscow’s intent to deepen strategic, economic, and technological cooperation with New Delhi despite global sanctions and pressure on Russia. Ties between the two nations came under a strain after US President Donald Trump increased tariffs on India for purchasing oil from Russia.
What is on the table for India and Russia during Putin’s visit this time?
Putin’s high-level delegation is expected to hold wide-ranging discussions covering trade and economic ties; strategic technologies and defence cooperation; energy partnerships, including nuclear power; space and scientific collaborations; cultural and educational exchanges.
Indian and Russian leaders will also deliberate on major regional and international issues, from Indo-Pacific security to the evolving Eurasian geopolitical landscape. Media reports suggest that both sides may announce new agreements aimed at boosting bilateral trade, enhancing technology exchange, and deepening long-term defence collaboration.
How has New Delhi been fortified for Putin’s high-profile stay?
PM Narendra Modi is hosting a private dinner for President Putin shortly, a gesture symbolising the personal rapport between the two leaders. Earlier this year in July, President Putin had hosted PM Modi during his Moscow visit.
On December 5, Putin’s official engagements include ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, tributes at Rajghat to Mahatma Gandhi, restricted-format talks with PM Modi at Hyderabad House, delegation-level negotiations, joint press statement with the PM, a FICCI business event, meeting with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
This packed itinerary underlines both nations’ intent to revive momentum in a relationship often described as a “time-tested special and privileged strategic partnership.”
Putin’s 2-day India visit: Why does it matter for India’s global positioning?
Putin’s arrival places India at the centre of world attention, highlighting New Delhi’s balancing act between major global powers, continued strategic autonomy in foreign policy, the importance of Russia as a defence and energy partner, along with India’s role as a key player in Eurasian geopolitics.
Amid the US-Russia rivalry, the Ukraine conflict, and China’s growing assertiveness, India’s diplomatic outreach to Moscow certainly carries a significant strategic weight.