-1764556129374_v.webp)
- By Supratik Das
- Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:07 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
PM Modi-Putin Summit: Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in New Delhi on December 4–5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, a visit seen as crucial for reinforcing one of India’s most enduring strategic partnerships in a rapidly shifting global order.
The trip comes at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation and marks Putin’s first visit to India since December 2021, weeks before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine.
What's Really At Stake?
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the meeting will allow both leaders to review progress across political, defence, energy, economic, and technological cooperation, while also setting a long-term vision for the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”.
The Kremlin described the visit as “of great importance”, noting that a wide set of intergovernmental and commercial agreements is expected to be finalised. President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet for Putin.
Defence Top Priority: S-400 Delays, Su-57 Offer On Table
While addressing ANI's National Security Summit's session 1 in New Delhi, the Defence Secretary said that Putin's visit to India in early December will focus on "broader elements of Cooperation on defence," and will discuss the potential ordering of additional S-400 systems, but not to expect any announcements regarding that.
Singh said India will also push for faster progress on several pending programmes, including the long-planned Sukhoi fleet upgrades. Discussions may also include the possible acquisition of two squadrons of Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets and joint manufacturing proposals for advanced systems such as the Su-57 and S-500.
Russia’s successful delivery of systems used during Operation Sindoor has reinforced New Delhi’s view that Moscow remains a reliable long-term defence partner despite global sanctions.
Energy And Trade: Oil Discounts, Payment Mechanisms In Focus
India is also expected to seek continued discounted crude supplies after New Delhi’s Russian oil imports dipped recently due to secondary US sanctions targeting shipping and insurance.
Despite Western pressure, Russia remains a key pillar of India’s energy security. Crude imports from Russia climbed from under 2 per cent to nearly 35–38 per cent of India’s oil basket last year. Bilateral trade has surged to around USD 70 billion, with a new target of USD 100 billion set for the coming years.
Moscow’s decision to open a Russian Central Bank representative office in Mumbai is expected to ease payment challenges and support Indian exporters.
Looking Ahead
India continues to maintain strategic autonomy despite pressure from Washington. Despite President Donald Trump slapping 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods and repeatedly criticising New Delhi’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil, India has held its ground.
New Delhi has reiterated its stance multiple times that its energy policy is driven solely by the needs of the Indian consumer and its own strategic calculations, not by external demands. India has also stressed that strategic autonomy remains non-negotiable, whether in defence procurement, energy security, or geopolitical alignments.
The summit comes amid global US tariffs, the prolonged Ukraine conflict, and China’s rise. India and Russia are expected to outline new cooperation mechanisms in defence manufacturing, energy connectivity, Arctic collaboration, and trade logistics through the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Thus, for both leaders, the meeting signals continuity, a relationship that has weathered wars, sanctions, and geopolitical shifts, anchored in trust and mutual strategic comfort.