The visit takes place amid shifting global geopolitics, with New Delhi carefully navigating its long-standing ties with Moscow while expanding its engagements with Western countries
Russian President Vladimir Putin will land in New Delhi today for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit—his first trip here since the Ukraine war began in 2021. It’s a two-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it’s easily one of the most significant diplomatic moments India has hosted in a while.
The timing is big. New Delhi is still walking a tightrope: maintaining its decades-old “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” with Moscow while juggling global flashpoints and steady Western scrutiny.
So what’s on the table? A lot, and it’s all high-stakes
Defence: Putin and Modi will dive into defence ties, especially the fast-tracking of pending S-400 Triumf air defence system deliveries. Expect serious talk about shifting gears from just buying equipment to co-producing it, including joint R&D.
Energy: With India–Russia trade hitting record highs thanks to discounted Russian oil, both sides are eyeing long-term deals. They’ll also look at restarting Indian investments in Russian energy projects (including in the Arctic) and expanding nuclear cooperation beyond Kudankulam.
Trade & economy: Trade is booming, but India’s trade deficit with Russia is widening. The push now is to get more Indian goods—from pharmaceuticals to agricultural products and machinery—into the Russian market. A mobility agreement for skilled Indian workers is also likely to be discussed.
PM Modi will host Putin for a private dinner tonight, but the heavy lifting happens tomorrow, Friday, December 5, during the formal talks.
Also read | Trade, defence deals and more… Why all eyes are on Putin’s visit to India
Stay tuned. We’re tracking everything live, from the ceremonial welcome to the signing of agreements, with updates on what this visit means for the future of the India–Russia partnership in a shifting world order.
Putin visits India
New Delhi is all set to welcome the Russian president
December 4, 2025, 23:10:08 (IST)
Putin questions US tariffs on India over Russian oil imports
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday voiced support for India, questioning the rationale behind US tariffs imposed on New Delhi for importing Russian oil. Pointing out what he described as a double standard, Putin said that the United States continues to purchase Russian nuclear fuel, yet India faces restrictions for similar transactions.
In an interview with India Today, he said India should enjoy the same rights as the US, stating, “If the United States can buy Russian fuel, there is no reason why India should be denied the same opportunity.”
Read the full article here
December 4, 2025, 22:25:57 (IST)
India, Russia hold talks to expand fisheries, meat, dairy trade
India and Russia on Thursday held discussions on expanding bilateral trade of fisheries, meat and dairy products as well as address market access issues.
According to an official statement, Russia expressed willingness to import fishery and meat products from India. It also showed interest in veterinary vaccine development and animal health management.
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, India’s Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh held a bilateral meeting with Oxana Lut, Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, in the national capital.
“During the meeting, both sides discussed expanding mutual trade in fisheries, animal & dairy products, resolving market access issues, and fast-tracking establishment listings for exports,” an official statement said.
The discussions also focused on collaboration in research, education and emerging aquaculture technologies, including deep-sea fishing vessels, aquaculture emerging technologies and processing.
December 4, 2025, 21:54:45 (IST)
Putin hails PM Modi as a leader who ‘does not bow to pressure’
Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised PM Narendra Modi’s leadership and said that the Indian PM does not succumb to pressure from any country including the US. Russian President Vladimir Putin was speaking to Aaj Tak and India Today at the Kremlin ahead of his India visit and called India a major global player.
“Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily. The Indian people can certainly take pride in their leader. This is absolutely obvious. His stance is unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational. Our goal is not to provoke conflict; rather, we aim to protect our lawful rights. India does the same,” he said.
December 4, 2025, 21:46:53 (IST)
Kremlin says Modi’s unexpected airport welcome for Putin reflects strength of India–Russia ties
The Russian Foreign Ministry shared images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcoming President Vladimir Putin at Delhi Airport, highlighting the warm reception. This gesture underscores the strong diplomatic ties between India and Russia.PM Modi’s decision to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at the aircraft ramp was unexpected and the Russian side had not been informed in advance, the Kremlin told Sputnik.
The Russian Foreign Ministry shared visuals of PM Modi personally welcoming Putin.
In a post on X, the MFA said, “President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a two-day state visit. The Russian leader received a warm personal welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) December 4, 2025
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December 4, 2025, 21:43:13 (IST)
Putin: India–Russia partnership stands on its own, not directed against the US
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that growing cooperation between India and Russia is not targeted at any third country, including the United States, while addressing questions on the future of bilateral ties and Washington’s reactions to them.
In an interview with Aaj Tak and India Today in Kremlin ahead of his India visit, he was asked how India and Russia should handle US President Donald Trump’s tariff-driven policies, which have also affected India.Putin responded by saying, “He pursues his own policy, and he has advisors — his decisions aren’t made out of thin air.
He has advisors who believe that implementing such tariff policies, involving the imposition of additional duties on trade partners, ultimately benefits the US economy. He is acting in good faith, I presume.”
December 4, 2025, 21:40:45 (IST)
Bilateral payments no longer a major issue, Moscow to join ‘Smart India Export’ next year: Cheremin
“Nowadays we do not have a big problem in bilateral transaction of money. Moscow government is going to take part in ‘Smart India Export’ next year”, says Russian Minister Sergey Cheremin on India-Russia relations.
VIDEO | Delhi: “Nowadays we do not have a big problem in bilateral transaction of money. Moscow government is going to take part in ‘Smart India Export’ next year”, says Russian Minister Sergey Cheremin on India-Russia relations.
(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/ofoAJQgTGe
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 20:51:46 (IST)
PM Modi hails ‘time-tested’ India–Russia friendship as he hosts Putin for dinner
“Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people.” PM Modi posted on X.
Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people.@KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/L7IORzRfV9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 20:45:37 (IST)
India urges Russia to approve 32 seafood processing units for supplies
India on Thursday said Russia’s approval of 128 Indian seafood processing units for export reflects the deepening trust between the two countries, but called on Moscow to clear the remaining 32 units and lift temporary suspensions on several fishery establishments to further accelerate trade.
December 4, 2025, 20:28:29 (IST)
Why does Putin travel with a ‘poop suitcase’?
There’s a big buzz around Vladimir Putin’s India visit and his rumoured ‘poop suitcase’. As per this unusual protocol, the Russian president’s waste is reportedly collected, sealed and taken back home. Experts note this is done so that no information about his health is revealed. Interestingly, Putin isn’t the only world leader with such security measures. North Korea’s Kim Jong-un travels with a private toilet, and his staff wipe down every surface which he touches during foreign visits.
Read the full article here
December 4, 2025, 20:12:11 (IST)
Russia says India’s exports will drive push toward $100 bn trade target
Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Russian Presidential Executive Office, said on Thursday that President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have set a goal of reaching USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. He added that the primary driver of this expansion will be a sharp rise in India’s exports of goods and services to Russia, highlighting Moscow’s expectation that New Delhi will anchor the next phase of growth in the partnership.
#WATCH | Delhi: Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Russian Presidential Executive Office, says, “President Putin and Prime Minister Modi have set the target of 100 billion USD by 2030. So this is the target we are working on. And we believe that the key source of this… pic.twitter.com/jHZiEfMzNR
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 20:08:44 (IST)
India, Russia vow deeper defence cooperation at 22nd Inter-Governmental Commission
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart co-chair the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation in New Delhi
Both sides reiterate that India-Russia ties are based on a deep sense of trust, common principles & mutual respect. Rajnath Singh stresses on new opportunities to enhance collaboration across niche technologies
Russian Defence Industry is ready to support India towards becoming self-reliant in defence production, says Andrei Belousov
December 4, 2025, 20:05:10 (IST)
PM Modi, President Putin arrive at 7 LKM for official dinner
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at the PM’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, where an official dinner is scheduled to take place as part of Putin’s two-day State visit.
VIDEO | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive at the PM’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. Official dinner shortly#Delhi #PutinIndiaVisit pic.twitter.com/i5xRP2JAKh
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 20:02:58 (IST)
Ganga Aarti held in Varanasi as Putin arrives in India
A Ganga Aarti was performed on the banks of the Ganges as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India for a two-day visit aimed at deepening the nearly eight-decade-long India–Russia partnership.
VIDEO | Uttar Pradesh: Ganga Aarti being performed in Varanasi as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India for a two-day visit aimed at further strengthening the nearly eight-decade-long India–Russia partnership.#Varanasi #PutinIndiaVisit #Putin pic.twitter.com/wL9SsTH5pb
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 19:46:10 (IST)
Inside the presidential suite that Putin will spend the night during India visit
Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a two-day visit. But where will the Russian leader be staying? He will spend the night at the presidential suite in ITC Maurya. Over the years, this room has hosted several world leaders, including Donald Trump. Guess how much a night here costs?
Read the full article here
December 4, 2025, 19:31:27 (IST)
PM Modi greets President Putin with a handshake and warm hug
Russian President Vladimir Putin was warmly received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a hug at Palam Technical Airport, marking the start of his two-day State visit to India. The leaders are set to hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in Delhi on December 5.
#WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a hug as PM Modi receives President Putin, at the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi
President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM… pic.twitter.com/3Rvfnp1sDD
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 19:25:33 (IST)
PM Modi, President Putin travel together from airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travel in the same car, as they depart from the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi
President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra Modi in Delhi on December 5.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travel in the same car, as they depart from the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi
President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra… pic.twitter.com/oVtsOL7SnM
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 19:23:13 (IST)
PM Modi welcomes President Putin in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi
President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra Modi in Delhi on December 5
(Source:… pic.twitter.com/rpJaipVqmF
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 19:07:35 (IST)
WATCH Russian President Putin arrives in Delhi for two-day visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in Delhi on Thursday for a two-day State visit.
#WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin lands in Delhi
President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra Modi in Delhi on December 5 pic.twitter.com/Y6dELuOUbt
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 18:59:02 (IST)
Putin’s India visit: India, Russia to boost tech, AI, electronics ties
On Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, S Krishnan, Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, highlighted opportunities for collaboration between the two countries in technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and electronics manufacturing. He added that software remains India’s largest export and expressed hope for closer engagement to expand Indian exports in these sectors.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Russian President Vladimir Putin’s India visit, S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) says, “I think there are many areas where India and Russia can collaborate, including in the technology space, in the area of cyber… pic.twitter.com/KNVPBdRaAy
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 19:10:56 (IST)
Putin’s plane lands in Delhi; PM Modi set to receive Russian president at Palam
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plane landed at Delhi’s Palam airport on Thursday evening, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to receive him.
December 4, 2025, 18:43:39 (IST)
Putin’s India visit highlights historic depth of bilateral ties: Arun Singh
Former diplomat Arun Singh said President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit is “an important” one, reflecting the long-standing strategic confidence that anchors India–Russia relations. Singh, who served twice in Moscow, noted that Russia has consistently supported India politically including at the UN Security Council and has remained a key defence partner. He highlighted that systems like the S-400 and the BrahMos missile, which proved critical during Operation Sindoor, underscore the enduring military value of the partnership.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Russian President Putin’s visit to India, Former diplomat Arun Singh, says, “This is an important visit. I have had occasion to serve twice in Moscow. I served at the time of Soviet Union and then in the 1990s in the Russian Federation after dissolution of the… pic.twitter.com/Z1LyKeeQBt
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 18:12:54 (IST)
PM Modi likely to receive President Putin at Delhi airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Delhi airport. President Putin is set to arrive in India in less than an hour.
December 4, 2025, 17:49:28 (IST)
Putin to land in India in less than an hour
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in India in less than an hour. Extensive security measures have been deployed across New Delhi and at Palam Technical Airport in the capital, as per ANI.
December 4, 2025, 17:46:17 (IST)
Denis Manturov meets Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss India–Russia financial cooperation ahead of Putin visit
Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi ahead of President Putin’s visit. The talks centered on interbank and credit cooperation, enhancing payment infrastructure, and the India–Russia investment protection agreement.
🚨🇮🇳🇷🇺Russia’s First Deputy PM Denis Manturov meets Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi ahead of Putin’s visit
Discussions focused on interbank & credit cooperation, expanding payment infrastructure, and the India-Russia investment protection agreement. pic.twitter.com/Ai2p07oNEe
— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 17:42:03 (IST)
Union Health Minister JP Nadda meets Russian counterpart to boost health sector cooperation
Union Health Minister JP Nadda met Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko to discuss various health sector matters and explore ways to deepen bilateral cooperation. Speaking on the meeting, Nadda said that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare.
(Photo: X/@JPNadda)
December 4, 2025, 17:39:10 (IST)
Phone calls and bilaterals: How Putin and Modi have engaged in the last 2 years
Over the past two years, Putin and PM Modi have maintained close engagement, ensuring that India–Russia ties remain robust despite shifting global dynamics.
Here’s a
deep-dive into their interaction that has spanned high-level diplomatic meetings, defence and strategic cooperation, and energy partnerships, facilitated through formal mechanisms like the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission.
December 4, 2025, 17:35:49 (IST)
Rajnath Singh, Russian Defence Minister strengthen bilateral military ties at commission meeting
The 22nd meeting of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation was held in New Delhi, co-chaired by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
Upon welcoming the Russian delegation, Rajnath Singh said, “Namaskar to the Defence Minister of Russia, Andrei Belousov, and the Russian delegation. It is a matter of pride for me to host you all here. I thank you for coming to discuss and strengthen our bilateral defence cooperation.” He emphasised the strength of the partnership, describing Russia as a “time-tested, special, privileged and strategic partner of India.” Singh pointed out that defence cooperation has grown considerably since the 2000 India–Russia Strategic Partnership declaration, mentioning the “extensive interactions” between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in China in June 2025 as part of their regular engagement.
Singh also noted positive developments in economic ties, specifically recognizing the successful 26th meeting of the India–Russia Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Moscow the previous month and the commencement of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union. He stated, “We had eagerly awaited the visit of President Vladimir Putin to India for the 23rd India Annual Summit, and that awaited moment has now arrived.”
In his remarks, Minister Belousov started with a “Namaste” and thanked India for its hospitality. He highlighted the “strong, time-tested friendship” between the nations, which he said is grounded in deep cultural traditions. Acknowledging the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, he thanked the Indian delegation for participating in the commemorative events in Moscow earlier in the year.
Referring to India as a “key partner for South Asian stability and global security,” Belousov confirmed that Russia is continuing its close collaboration with India on the modernization of the Army, Air Force, and Navy. He also offered greetings for National Navy Day. Belousov concluded by noting that the intergovernmental commission demonstrates the mutual commitment to making effective and beneficial decisions, stating, “Today, we review its achievements and set new goals for the future.”
🇮🇳Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and 🇷🇺Defence Minister of Russia Andrei Belousov lay wreath at the National War Memorial.
The Russian Defence Minister will co-chair the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Gov Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation ministerial meeting. https://t.co/u7L6aSngVT pic.twitter.com/C84xOlxzf7
— Bhakt Prahlad🚩 (@RakeshKishore_l) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 17:27:07 (IST)
Who will receive Putin at the airport: PM Modi or S. Jaishankar?
India follows strict diplomatic and security protocol for airport receptions during Head of State / Head of Government visits.
For high-risk or high-value foreign leaders, India usually limits the number of top officials present on the tarmac for security reasons.
The Ministry of External Affairs has a standard hierarchy for receiving foreign leaders:
-
President of India receives at Rashtrapati Bhavan
-
Prime Minister meets at Hyderabad House or during delegation-level talks
-
Minister of State / Senior MEA Official receives them at the airport
There has been speculation that the Prime Minister might personally receive Putin on the tarmac instead of S. Jaishankar. If he does go to the airport to welcome the Russian president, it would amount to overriding the usual security protocol.
December 4, 2025, 17:19:35 (IST)
Rajnath Singh kicks off bilateral talks with Russia’s Defence Minister Andrei Belousov
#WATCH | Delhi: At the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation ministerial meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, “…We welcome the successful holding of the 26th meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Trade and… pic.twitter.com/WRNjhN4uCt
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 17:11:13 (IST)
Russian Defence Minister Belousov reviews Tri-Service Guard of Honour in Delhi
#WATCH | Delhi | Defence Minister of Russia Andrei Belousov inspects the Tri-Service Guard of Honour in the presence of the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Manekshaw Centre.
The Russian Defence Minister will co-chair the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on… pic.twitter.com/gNu2xLCtUM
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025, 17:05:37 (IST)
Putin’s Delhi entry comes with the city’s air still rated ‘very poor’
Russian pre