President Putin Departs From Delhi; S. Jaishankar Sees Him Off as India–Russia Summit Concludes

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4 and 5, 2025, to attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. This will be his first trip to New Delhi since the Russia–Ukraine conflict began. The summit is expected to inject new momentum into bilateral ties, and the visit comes as India and Russia complete 25 years of their strategic partnership. Putin last visited India four years ago.

During the two-day visit, he will hold official talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Droupadi Murmu will also meet him and host a formal dinner in his honour. The visit will allow both sides to review the progress of their partnership, identify new areas of cooperation under their ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,’ and discuss key regional and global developments.

Putin is expected to land in Delhi on the evening of December 4. According to sources, he will have dinner with Prime Minister Modi soon after his arrival. On the morning of December 5, he will be given a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Rajghat to pay tribute at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial. He will then attend the Annual Summit at Hyderabad House and participate in another event at Bharat Mandapam. In the evening, President Murmu will host a banquet in his honour.

The two leaders have already met once this year at the SCO Summit in China, where Prime Minister Modi was even seen sharing a car with President Putin. Ahead of the upcoming visit, Putin’s security team has made extensive arrangements and is transporting the Aurus Senat — his heavily armoured luxury limousine — from Moscow specifically for the trip.

Defence cooperation is expected to be a major focus of the talks, especially Russia’s proposal to supply India with two to three additional S-400 air-defence regiments, known domestically as the Sudarshan Chakra. Beyond defence, energy and trade are also expected to feature prominently. With Western sanctions limiting its markets, Russia is keen to increase trade with India, including crude oil, fighter jets, and missile systems. Overall, Putin’s visit is poised to shape the next phase of India–Russia relations and further strengthen their longstanding partnership.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russia’s Defence Minister Andrei Belousov will co-chair the 22nd session of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation on December 4, 2025. The two leaders will review the full spectrum of defence ties between the countries, including ongoing military partnerships, technology collaborations, and future joint initiatives. They are also expected to exchange views on key regional and global developments of mutual concern.

During his visit to New Delhi, Minister Belousov will also lay a wreath at the National War Memorial to honour Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in service.

Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, welcomed Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov today at the Air Force Station in Palam, New Delhi. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was also present during the reception.

Later in the day, Minister Belousov will join Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh to co-chair the 22nd meeting of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation at the Manekshaw Centre.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, accused the Modi government of breaking a long-standing tradition. He said that earlier, visiting foreign dignitaries were routinely allowed to meet the Leader of the Opposition, but that practice has now stopped. Gandhi also claimed that the government and the Ministry of External Affairs advise foreign visitors — and even officials he meets abroad — not to engage with the LoP.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit, Gandhi said such meetings were common during the Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh governments. “The LoP offers a second perspective. We also represent India. But the government doesn’t want foreign dignitaries to meet the Opposition,” he said, alleging that this stems from “insecurity” on the part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on Thursday. Later in the day, the two leaders co-chaired the 22nd meeting of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation.

Welcoming the visiting delegation, Rajnath Singh said it was a matter of pride to host the Russian minister and his team. He described Russia as a “time-tested, special, privileged and strategic partner of India,” noting that defence ties have deepened significantly since the 2000 India–Russia Strategic Partnership declaration. Singh highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin remain in regular contact, including detailed discussions during the SCO Summit held in China in 2025.

Singh also pointed to progress in economic engagement. He referred to the successful 26th meeting of the India–Russia Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation held in Moscow last month and welcomed the launch of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union. He added that India had been eagerly awaiting President Putin’s arrival for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda met Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in the health sector. Both sides agreed to strengthen partnerships focused on improving access to affordable, quality healthcare. The meeting took place ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s visit.

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met a high-level Russian delegation led by Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, in New Delhi on Thursday. The discussions covered key areas of mutual interest, including investment, banking, and finance. Both sides expressed optimism about strong and positive outcomes from the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit scheduled for December 5, 2025. Manturov also conveyed Russia’s full support for India’s upcoming BRICS chairship.

Manturov was accompanied by senior Russian officials, including Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina. The Indian side included representatives from the Department of Economic Affairs, the Department of Financial Services, the Reserve Bank of India, and the Ministry of External Affairs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Palam Airport to personally receive Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is in India for a two-day state visit. Putin’s arrival marks the beginning of his official engagements as the two leaders are set to hold high-level talks during the visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin left the Palam Technical Airport in the same car after Modi personally received the leader in New Delhi. The two greeted each other warmly with a handshake and a hug before departing together.

Modi later shared photos on X, writing, “Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions this evening and tomorrow. India–Russia friendship is time-tested and has greatly benefitted our people.”

The leaders arrived at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister’s official residence, where Putin is expected to join Modi for a private dinner later tonight. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin for a private dinner at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, on Thursday evening. The residence was decorated  with India–Russia flags as the two leaders arrived together, highlighting the strength of their long-standing partnership. Sharing photos from 7 LKM on X, PM Modi wrote, “Welcomed my friend, President Putin, to 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.”

Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory announcing several restrictions and diversions on December 5 due to administrative requirements related to the special event.

As Day Two of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit begins on December 5, 2025, the event aims to further boost and solidify bilateral ties between the two nations. During his two-day visit to India, the Russian President will hold official talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

President Droupadi Murmu will also attend and host a dinner in his honour. The visit will help both sides review their partnership, plan new areas to work together under their ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,’ and discuss important regional and international matters.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov to deepen bilateral economic cooperation. In a post on X, Goyal described the meeting as “productive,” highlighting that both sides explored new opportunities across sectors such as food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and automobiles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin received a ceremonial welcome, including a Guard of Honour, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar, Delhi LG V. K. Saxena, CDS General Anil Chauhan, and several other dignitaries were present for the occasion.

Upon his arrival, President Putin was accorded a 21-gun salute. President Droupadi Murmu welcomed him with a handshake, followed by greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Russian President then received the Guard of Honour.

President Murmu and President Putin subsequently introduced each other to the dignitaries from their respective countries, marking the formal start of the day’s engagements.

After the ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he proceeded to Rajghat to lay a wreath at the Gandhi memorial. Later today, he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He laid a wreath at the memorial and offered floral tributes before signing the visitors’ book. Following the ceremony, Putin will proceed to Hyderabad House for his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at Hyderabad House in New Delhi for their bilateral meeting, where the two leaders are set to hold wide-ranging discussions.

During their interaction, PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent stand on global peace, stating, “The world must return to peace, and we support every effort working toward this goal. India is not neutral; India is on the side of peace. India–Russia relations should continue to grow and reach new heights.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his remarks from the India–Russia meeting at Hyderabad House on X. He said, “I believe the role we played in 2001 is a perfect example of how a visionary leader thinks,” highlighting the long-standing and enduring partnership between India and Russia. Modi noted that the two nations have always stood together and expressed hope that the world will soon overcome its worries and move toward peace and development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin witnessed the exchange of several key agreements during the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.

New Delhi and Moscow signed a pact on migration and mobility, aimed at facilitating the movement of professionals and workers between the two countries. Additional MoUs were exchanged to boost cooperation in the port and shipping sector, as well as in health and food safety.

After the exchange of MoUs between India and Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the press at Hyderabad House in Delhi. He highlighted the significance of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit, noting that it comes at a time when bilateral relations between the two countries are reaching historic milestones.

PM Modi emphasized that the friendship between India and Russia has remained steadfast over the past eight decades, describing it metaphorically as a “pole star.”

The Prime Minister further underlined that the India–Russia partnership is founded on mutual respect and deep trust, qualities that have helped it withstand the tests of time. He added, “I am extremely proud to welcome President Putin to India,” underscoring the warmth and importance of the ongoing visit.

During a joint press briefing with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that energy security remains a key pillar of the India–Russia partnership. He highlighted the long-standing cooperation in civil nuclear energy, which has significantly contributed to the clean-energy goals of both countries. The Prime Minister also noted that collaboration in critical minerals will help build secure and diversified global supply chains, supporting the growth of clean energy, high-tech manufacturing, and emerging industries.

PM Modi announced that India and Russia have adopted a Vision 2030 roadmap to enhance economic cooperation. He said that both leaders will participate in the India–Russia Business Forum and expressed confidence that the platform will strengthen trade ties and open new avenues for co-production and co-innovation.

He added that both countries reviewed all major areas of cooperation and identified steps to further expand their partnership. PM Modi also reiterated that India and Russia are working toward the early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), calling it a shared priority for deepening long-term economic engagement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India has consistently supported peace in the Ukraine conflict from the very start, welcoming all initiatives aimed at achieving a durable and peaceful solution and reaffirming India’s readiness to contribute whenever needed. He also underscored the importance of India–Russia cooperation in critical minerals, stressing that such collaboration is vital for building secure and diversified global supply chains.

During the press meet at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, President Vladimir Putin thanked President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and all Indian officials for the warm hospitality extended to the Russian delegation. He also expressed gratitude to PM Modi for hosting a dinner at his residence the previous evening.

1. Tourism and Cultural Exchange

PM Modi announced that India will soon launch a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens. “ I'm happy that we will soon be launching a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day Group Tourist Visa for Russian citizens."

2. Shift to National Currency Trade

President Putin said that India and Russia are steadily transitioning to trade in national currencies, with 96% of bilateral commercial transactions now settled in rupees and rubles. He added that a proposed Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union would help resolve remaining trade challenges and further expand economic cooperation.

3. Progress at Kudankulam Nuclear Plant

Putin highlighted that the two countries are jointly building India’s largest nuclear power plant at Kudankulam. Two of the six reactors are already operational, while four more are under construction. Once fully commissioned, the plant will significantly boost India’s supply of clean and affordable energy.

4. Strong Defence Partnership

Putin noted that Russia has supported India’s defence modernisation for the last five decades, helping equip the Army, Navy, Air Defence forces, and aviation sector. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his talks with PM Modi and said the agreements reached will further advance the India–Russia strategic defence partnership.

5. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

PM Modi emphasised that India and Russia stand firmly together in the global fight against terrorism. He said that both nations face threats and the roots are similar and called for unified, coordinated action by the international community against terror networks and extremist groups.

6. Cooperation in High-Tech, Space, and Industry

The discussions also covered plans to deepen ties in high-tech sectors, including AI, space missions, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing aligned with Make in India. Putin also revealed that Russia will host a new joint pharmaceutical facility in the Kaluga region, where cutting-edge anti-tumour medicines will be manufactured using Indian technology.

7. Cultural, Media, and Educational Cooperation

Putin highlighted that cultural and educational ties between India and Russia are strengthening. He also noted that the introduction of the Russian news channel RT in India will provide Indian audiences with greater access to Russian perspectives and insights

8. Alignment on Global Platforms

Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination in multilateral forums, including the UN, G20, BRICS, and SCO. Putin said India and Russia pursue independent foreign policies and work closely with like-minded partners in the Global South to remain committed to upholding fundamental principles of international law as outlined in the UN Charter.

A day before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi government of breaking the long-standing practice of allowing visiting foreign dignitaries to meet Opposition leaders. Speaking outside Parliament on December 4, 2025, he claimed that earlier governments routinely facilitated such interactions. 

Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor confirmed that he had been invited to the Presidential banquet being hosted for President Putin. However, no invitation was extended to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge or LoP Rahul Gandhi. Tharoor said he would attend the event but remarked that it was inappropriate for Leaders of the Opposition to be excluded from such important diplomatic engagements.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu formally welcomed him ahead of the state banquet hosted in his honour. He received a ceremonial reception at the presidential estate, attended by senior ministers, diplomats, and top officials.

President Murmu later shared on X that she appreciated President Putin’s support and his personal commitment to the India–Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Both leaders expressed confidence that the long-standing friendship between India and Russia will continue to strengthen and flourish in the years ahead.

During the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Putin with a selection of culturally significant gifts showcasing India’s rich heritage. These included Assam black tea, known for its robust malty flavour and GI-tagged quality, and Kashmiri saffron, often called “red gold” for its aroma and colour. Modi also gifted a handcrafted silver horse from Maharashtra, symbolising dignity, valour, and the forward-moving India–Russia partnership.

Putin further received a Murshidabad silver tea set from West Bengal, representing India’s deep tea tradition, and a handcrafted marble chess set from Agra, reflecting Uttar Pradesh’s intricate stone inlay craftsmanship. PM Modi further presented him with a Russian-language copy of the Bhagavad Gita, symbolising the deep spiritual and cultural connection between the two nations.