Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4–5 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday. The state visit comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at a time when the two countries have drawn closer despite mounting US pressure and punitive tariffs over India’s imports of discounted Russian crude.
“President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to India from 4–5 December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit,” the MEA said in an official statement.
During the visit, Putin will hold bilateral talks with PM Modi, reviewing the progress in defence, energy, trade, and technology cooperation. President Droupadi Murmu will formally receive the Russian leader at Rashtrapati Bhavan and host a ceremonial banquet.
Visit Announced Earlier, Dates Now Confirmed
Putin’s trip was first discussed in August during National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to Moscow, though dates were not confirmed at that stage.
The MEA said the summit will allow both sides to “set the vision for strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” and exchange views on regional and global issues, including developments in Eurasia, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict.
Recent High-Level Engagements
Earlier this month, PM Modi conveyed his greetings to Putin when the Russian president’s top aide Nikolai Patrushev met him in Delhi. Modi said he looked forward to welcoming Putin in India an invitation the Kremlin has now formally accepted.
The two leaders last met in September during the SCO Summit in China, where they held a one-hour discussion inside the Russian President’s limousine.
A Crucial Moment in India–Russia Relations
India and Russia have maintained a long-standing strategic relationship, rooted in Soviet-era defence and energy ties. Despite Western sanctions, Russia remains one of India’s largest arms suppliers and a major source of discounted oil.
Tensions rose earlier this year when the United States accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine through oil purchases. Putin publicly praised PM Modi’s “strong leadership,” saying India would “not allow humiliation” on the global stage.
Putin has drastically limited foreign travel since the Ukraine war began, partly due to the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant against him. India, not being a member of the ICC, is not obligated to detain him making New Delhi one of the few major capitals the Russian President can visit freely.
Putin’s visit is expected to be closely watched globally, potentially marking a defining moment in India’s geopolitical positioning as it balances relations with both Moscow and Washington.
