Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India on Thursday for a two-day visit that places defence, energy, and economic cooperation back at the centre of New Delhi–Moscow engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to host him for a private dinner soon after his touchdown in the capital, setting the tone for a tightly packed diplomatic schedule.
Putin’s trip, his first to India since the Ukraine conflict began, comes against the backdrop of US sanctions targeting New Delhi, adding sharper focus to conversations around military supplies, long-term energy security, and bilateral trade mechanisms. The visit also coincides with fresh momentum in defence ties, with Moscow recently approving a significant military agreement for India.
High-level talks set the stage for the 23rd annual summit
The formal agenda will unfold on Friday when Putin is accorded a ceremonial welcome before the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit begins. Officials on both sides are preparing for wide-ranging talks that will span strategic cooperation, equipment procurement, and steps to safeguard existing defence production lines.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has already hinted at the possibility of discussions on Russia’s Su-57 fighter jets — a sign that advanced platforms may feature in the negotiations.
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New agreements expected across defence, labour and trade
The two governments are likely to sign multiple pacts during the visit. One of the key expected outcomes is an agreement enabling Indian workers to take up employment opportunities in Russia, part of an expanding labour mobility framework discussed in recent months.
New Delhi and Moscow are also expected to revisit India’s proposed free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, a long-pending mechanism aimed at boosting economic and strategic cooperation across sectors.
Major defence, trade deals high on agenda of two-day Putin visit to India
Private dinner, state banquet and a media outreach push
Putin’s first engagement after landing will be a private dinner hosted by PM Modi — a diplomatic gesture that echoes the hospitality Putin extended during Modi’s visit to Moscow last year. Following Friday’s summit, President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in honour of the Russian leader.
The visit will also see Putin inaugurate the India channel of RT, the Russian state-run broadcaster. The move is viewed as part of Moscow’s broader soft-power strategy and media outreach in South Asia.
Visit to shape future roadmap: MEA
In a statement issued on November 28, the Ministry of External Affairs said the visit offers a chance for both sides to assess the trajectory of bilateral ties and outline the next phase of their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”.
The MEA noted that the two leaders will also exchange views on key regional and global developments at a time of shifting geopolitical alignments.