– The visit highlights India’s enduring strategic partnership with Russia, with defence, space, and trade cooperation at the core, even as global geopolitical tensions reshape alliances.
New Delhi, India, December 5, 2025 (Agencies) – Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day state visit, marking his tenth trip to the country and his first since 2021.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol to personally welcome the Russian leader upon his arrival, underscoring the close ties between the two nations. The two leaders held a private dinner on Thursday evening ahead of formal delegation-level talks scheduled for Friday.
The visit is expected to focus on defence and space collaboration, including discussions on the joint production of Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets. Officials said agreements in satellite technology, energy cooperation, and trade are also on the agenda.
Putin will officially launch RT India, the Russian state-backed media network’s Indian channel, on December 5, further expanding Moscow’s media presence in South Asia.
The India–Russia Business Forum, being held in New Delhi on December 4–5, coincides with the visit and brings together industry leaders to explore investment and trade opportunities.
President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to host a state banquet for Putin, while the summit will also see the signing of multiple bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia.
This is Putin’s first visit to India since the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022, making it geopolitically significant as New Delhi continues to balance ties with Moscow alongside its growing partnerships with Western nations.