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Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to India from 4–5 December for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday.
The long-awaited visit comes at a time when New Delhi and Moscow continue to consolidate their strategic partnership despite evolving global alignments.
The MEA issued a formal statement confirming the visit, noting, “At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr Vladimir Putin will pay a State visit to India from 04–05 December 2025 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.”
The Ministry further stated that President Putin will hold comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Modi, while the President of India will receive him and host a ceremonial banquet in his honour.
According to the MEA, the meeting will provide an opportunity to review progress in bilateral relations and outline a vision for the future.
A Significant Diplomatic Engagement
Putin’s upcoming visit was first hinted at during National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s Moscow trip in August.
The leaders also met briefly during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in China, where their warm interaction – including PM Modi accompanying President Putin in his limousine – drew attention for symbolising the depth of personal rapport between the two.
The visit also follows a period of diplomatic friction with Washington after US President Donald Trump criticised India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude.
New Delhi, however, has maintained that its energy decisions are guided by national interest and affordability.
This year’s summit is expected to focus on key areas of cooperation, including defence manufacturing, civil nuclear energy, trade expansion, connectivity projects, and regional security.
Discussions on the conflicts in Ukraine, West Asia, and developments in the Indo-Pacific are likely to feature prominently.
India–Russia relations have remained resilient despite global tensions, with both nations committed to preserving the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership built over decades.
Preparations Underway
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met President Putin in Moscow earlier this month and briefed him on the arrangements for the summit.
He conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s greetings and discussed global developments.
PM Modi, in a separate engagement with Kremlin aide Nikolai Patrushev in New Delhi, reiterated that he is looking forward to hosting President Putin next month.
Putin’s last visit to India took place in December 2021 for the 21st annual summit, making the upcoming meeting a crucial step towards reinvigorating high-level exchanges.
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