Putin’s 2025 Visit to India: What’s on the Agenda?
Moscow Meets New Delhi: A Return to the Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi on December 4, 2025 — his first visit to India since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. Al Jazeera+2The Indian Express+2
The timing is significant. The visit comes as India and Russia mark 25 years of their “special and privileged strategic partnership,” even as India balances historic ties with Moscow against growing pressure from the West. Al Jazeera+1
The two-day visit revives the tradition of alternating annual summits: after the disruption caused by the war and its fallout, this marks Moscow’s return to hosting high-stakes diplomacy with New Delhi. Al Jazeera+2The Indian Express+2
What’s on the Agenda
• High-Level Diplomacy & Symbolism
Putin will attend state-level events including a private dinner with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi; a guard-of-honour at the presidential palace; and visits to symbolic sites such as the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Al Jazeera+1
On the business side, a wide-ranging Russian delegation — including top officials from defence, energy, and major state firms — accompanies Putin, signaling the breadth of talks awaiting both sides. Al Jazeera+2A News+2
• Defence and Military Cooperation
Expect major emphasis on defence procurement and cooperation. Observers anticipate discussions over additional orders for the Russian S-400 missile defence system and the possible sale or co-development of the advanced Su-57 stealth fighter jets. Al Jazeera+2Euromaidan Press+2
Given India’s recent conflict experiences and security concerns, modernising its air-defence and strike capabilities is high on the agenda. For Russia, such deals strengthen longstanding military ties and project resilience against its growing diplomatic isolation. Euromaidan Press+1
• Energy, Trade & Economic Cooperation
Energy remains central. Historically, India became a major buyer of Russian crude after the war. But rising pressure from the United States — including tariffs and sanctions — has complicated that dependency. Al Jazeera+2Al Jazeera+2
Beyond oil, both sides are exploring deeper cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, technology, health, and media, among others. The aim is to reduce the trade imbalance between them and build a broader, more diversified economic partnership. India Today+2India Today+2
They are also expected to launch a roadmap through 2030, covering strategic cooperation in transport, industry, mining, and even labour mobility. Under talk: India supplying workers to Russia, addressing Russia’s expected labour shortfall by 2030. Al Jazeera+2India Today+2
• Diplomatic Signaling & Global Geopolitics
The visit serves as a global signal: despite Western pressure and sanctions, Russia aims to show it remains connected — welcomed even by major democracies. Al Jazeera+2A News+2
For India, the summit is a demonstration of strategic autonomy — balancing ties with Russia with growing partnerships with the West. As both nations navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, the meeting reaffirms their long-standing alliance. The Times of India+2A News+2
Challenges & Global Pressure
The trip happens against a backdrop of mounting Western pressure, especially from the administration of Donald Trump, which has imposed tariffs and threatened sanctions on countries buying Russian oil. India’s energy imports from Russia — previously a major driver of bilateral trade — are now vulnerable. Al Jazeera+2Al Jazeera+2
This pressure forces India to walk a fine line: deepening cooperation with Russia without provoking punitive economic consequences from the West. At the same time, India is increasingly engaging with other partners for energy and defence diversification. Euromaidan Press+1
For Russia, selling advanced weapons or defence systems now has more than just financial value — it carries symbolic weight, showing that Moscow still has strategic friends despite its global isolation. Al Jazeera+2Al Jazeera+2
What This Means for India-Russia Ties Going Forward
- The summit could reset and broaden the India-Russia partnership beyond oil and arms — into agriculture, health, labour, and technology.
- Defence deals (S-400, Su-57, other systems) may lock in strategic dependence in critical sectors for years.
- Russia’s ability to maintain major partnerships may ease some pressure from sanctions, though trust and reputational cost remain uncertain.
- For India, navigating between Russia and the West will remain a delicate balancing act, especially with rising expectations of strategic autonomy from global powers.
