23rd India-Russia Annual Summit: Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India today for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to New Delhi in four years. He is visiting at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This will be Putin’s first visit to India since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022, with his last appearance in the country taking place in 2021.
During the talks, defence cooperation is expected to take center stage. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said discussions may include the S-400 missile defence system and the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Peskov described the Su-57 as “the best plane in the world” and suggested that Moscow remains open to deepening joint defence projects, including areas tied to the successful BrahMos programme.
Key Focus on Defence and Strategic Cooperation
PM Modi and President Putin last met on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of State Council summit in Tianjin, China, on September 1 this year. The two leaders have also spoken five times over the phone in 2025. Putin’s arrival this week also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership that was formalised in October 2000.
Full Schedule for December 4 and December 5
Putin will land at AFS Palam around 6:35 pm on December 4. Soon after his arrival, PM Modi will host him for a private dinner at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence and workplace of the Prime Minister of India.
The second day will begin with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 11 am on December 5. Putin will then proceed to Rajghat for a wreath-laying ceremony scheduled for 11:30 am, followed by a bilateral meeting with PM Modi at Hyderabad House at 11:50 am. Joint press statements are expected around 1:50 pm.
Later in the afternoon, both leaders will participate in a business event at 3:40 pm. At 7 pm, President Droupadi Murmu will receive Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Russian President is expected to depart from Delhi around 9 pm.
Photo Exhibition Showcases 25 Years of India-Russia Defence Partnership
Ahead of Putin’s visit, the Russian House in New Delhi hosted a special photo exhibition dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation and arms exporter Rosoboronexport. The exhibition displayed rare photographs of Vladimir Putin with Indian Prime Ministers over the past quarter century, highlighting consistent defence ties and long-term collaboration.
What This Visit Means for India-Russia Relations
Putin’s presence in India is expected to reinforce the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations. Analysts predict that defence manufacturing, energy ties, nuclear cooperation and technology-sharing may see renewed momentum. The visit also carries significant geopolitical importance as both countries navigate changing global alignments while maintaining a strong bilateral relationship rooted in trust and mutual interest.
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