Visit of Russian State President Vladimir Putin to India (December 2025)

India–Russia Leaders Summit took place on 4–5 December. The summit occurred at a time when Russia was facing political and economic constraints in its relations with Western countries and India was actively pursuing various diplomatic initiatives on the international stage. During this period, the two sides came together to hold new discussions under the long-standing “special and privileged strategic partnership” framework.

The New Delhi administration continues to maintain uninterrupted relations with Russia within its multi-aligned foreign policy approach while simultaneously sustaining economic technological and security interactions with the West.

Putin’s Arrival in New Delhi and State Ceremony

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi the capital of India on 4 December 2025 and attended an official welcoming ceremony hosted by the President of India. Putin’s visit confirmed the continuity of high-level consultations between the two countries. Following the state protocol welcome inter-delegation talks were initiated.

During the visit technical teams completed final preparations for comprehensive agreements and discussions in the fields of economy defense energy and science and technology. Prior to the visit Indian authorities announced that these talks would define the main contours of the partnership strategy for the 2025–2030 period.

Main Sessions of the Summit and Agenda Formation

On 5 December 2025 a multilateral negotiation process was conducted between the two governments during the leaders summit. The agenda covered a broad range of issues including defense cooperation energy supply chains increasing trade volume regulating financial mechanisms nuclear energy programs joint space initiatives and technology sharing in industrial production.

The key highlights of the summit were as follows:

• Increasing Trade Volume: The two leaders reaffirmed their goal of raising bilateral trade which reached approximately 68 billion dollars in 2024–2025 to exceed 100 billion dollars by 2030. This target necessitated the development of technical measures such as modernizing logistics corridors and simplifying customs procedures.
• Energy Cooperation: New arrangements were assessed to secure India’s high-volume imports of Russian oil and natural gas. Amid uncertainties caused by sanctions in global energy markets both sides emphasized the need for energy trade to remain “uninterrupted and predictable”.
• Defense and Security: India’s long-standing defense procurement system centered on Russia was discussed in the context of next-generation air defense systems advanced fighter aircraft projects and joint production models. Extensive talks were held particularly on fighter aircraft platforms and air defense networks.
• US Sanctions and International Pressure: The impact of US sanctions against Russia on India was addressed during the visit. While India affirmed its determination to sustain relations with Russia based on energy security and its multi-aligned foreign policy approach the global political pressure environment was recognized as a significant backdrop to the summit.
• Nuclear Energy and Space Programs: The two countries agreed to expand civil nuclear energy projects and establish joint task forces for space research cooperation.

Following these discussions the heads of state publicly outlined a shared perspective on the future of bilateral relations.

Political and Security Dimension

During the summit both bilateral assessments were conducted and various cooperation agreements were signed. Counterterrorism was addressed as one of the shared agenda items. Modi stated that the friendship between India and Russia plays a decisive role in overcoming global challenges. He noted that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the assault on Crocus City Hall stemmed from the same roots and underscored the need for global unity against terrorism. Putin affirmed that political consultations between the two countries had been constructive and beneficial and stated that the one-on-one meeting between the leaders took place in a sincere atmosphere.

Economic Cooperation and Energy Policies

Putin announced that trade between Russia and India had increased by 12 percent the previous year reaching 65 billion dollars and that the target is to raise this figure to 100 billion dollars annually. In this context the two countries reached agreement on a development program aimed at strengthening economic cooperation by 2030.

The energy sector constituted one of the most important topics of the talks. Putin stated that Russia was prepared to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies for India’s rapidly growing economy, affirming that Russia is a reliable supplier for India and possesses all the necessary elements to support the country’s energy development.

Military-Technical Cooperation

Putin emphasized that India is a close partner of Russia in the military-technical field. He noted that Russia has contributed for over half a century to the equipment and modernization of the Indian armed forces. It was stated that the outcomes of the negotiations in this area were satisfactory.

Transportation and Connectivity Corridors

Modi explained that developing connectivity networks between the two countries is among their strategic priorities. It was indicated that work on the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Northern Sea Route, and the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor will gain new momentum. These projects were said to play a critical role in the future of India-Russia trade.

Agreements Signed Between Delegations

During the summit, the delegations of the two countries signed various cooperation documents. These agreements cover the following areas:

• combating illegal migration,
• cooperation in health services,
• scientific research,
• logistics and transportation,
• joint activities in the Arctic region.

It was stated that these documents contribute to deepening bilateral relations in both technical and institutional dimensions.

India’s Foreign Policy and Strategic Balances

The New Delhi administration continues to integrate into global economic and technological networks while positioning its relations with Russia as a strategic necessity in terms of energy security and defense modernization.

India’s stance on the Ukraine War has been shaped within a framework that advocates a diplomatic resolution to the conflict and maintains distance from geopolitical polarization.

The Significance of the Visit from Russia’s Perspective

For Russia, India represents a diplomatic, economic, and strategic partner amid Western-imposed restrictions and economic sanctions. The expansion of trade between the two countries provides Russia with a sustainable market for its energy exports, while defense cooperation strengthens Moscow’s influence in Asia.