Russian President Vladimir Putin begins his two-day state visit to India on Thursday, December 4, 2025, to participate in the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks Putin’s first visit to India in four years, signalling renewed momentum in the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations.
During the summit, the two leaders are expected to hold comprehensive talks on strengthening defence collaboration, with discussions likely to centre on joint production, technology transfers and long-term maintenance support for Russian-origin systems used by the Indian armed forces. Officials also expect progress on insulating bilateral trade from geopolitical pressures, including mechanisms for rupee-ruble trade, alternate payment channels and enhanced energy cooperation.
A key focus area is the emerging field of small modular reactors (SMRs). India and Russia, which already collaborate closely under the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, are exploring the next stage of civil nuclear partnership involving advanced reactor designs, localisation of components and long-term fuel supply arrangements.
India–Russia Relations at the International Level
India and Russia share a five-decade-long strategic relationship, built on defence, space cooperation, energy security and diplomatic coordination. Despite global shifts and pressures arising from the Ukraine conflict and evolving geopolitical blocs, both nations have managed to maintain a balanced and independent engagement.
At international forums such as the BRICS, SCO and the UN, India and Russia often coordinate positions on issues such as counter-terrorism, multipolarity, and reform of global institutions. Russia remains one of India’s most reliable defence partners, while India serves as a critical Asian counterweight supporting Russia’s outreach beyond the West.
Putin’s 2025 visit is expected to reaffirm that India–Russia ties continue to stand on a foundation of strategic trust, mutual benefit and geopolitical alignment, even as both nations diversify their global partnerships.
