New Delhi – Russian President Vladimir Putin will land in the Indian capital tomorrow for a two-day state visit – his first trip here since the Ukraine war started in 2022. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin arrives for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The visit comes at a time when India and Russia want to push their old friendship forward, even as the world watches closely.
The Kremlin called it a “great importance” trip to talk about everything from arms deals to oil supplies. Putin will meet PM Modi for talks and also sit down with President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a banquet in his honour. Several papers and deals are expected to be signed, covering trade, defense and more. This is not just a routine meet – it’s a sign that India-Russia ties are strong, no matter what pressure comes from the West.
In simple terms, this visit is like two old friends catching up after a long time. Russia and India have been partners for over 70 years, from Soviet days to now. But with the Ukraine war dragging on and US tariffs hitting Indian oil buys from Russia, this summit matters a lot. Let’s look at the full plan, what they will discuss, and why it could change things for everyday Indians.
The Full Schedule: From Airport to Banquet
Putin’s plane is set to touch down at Delhi’s airport around 6 PM on Thursday, December 4. Right away, he heads to PM Modi’s house on Lok Kalyan Marg for a private dinner. This is like a warm welcome – no big crowd, just the two leaders chatting over food. It’s a return favour, as Modi had a similar dinner with Putin in Moscow last year.
The real action starts on Friday, December 5. In the morning, Putin gets a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. That’s the President’s house, with guards, bands and all the formal stuff. Then, he meets President Murmu for a short talk. Later, she hosts a banquet – a fancy dinner with Indian and Russian dishes, where leaders from both sides will be there.
After that, the main event: bilateral talks with PM Modi at Hyderabad House. This is where they will go deep into big issues like defense and trade. In the afternoon, both leaders will speak to business people from India and Russia at Bharat Mandapam. That’s a big hall where they will launch some new projects, like Russia Today’s TV office in India.
The visit wraps up by evening on December 5, with Putin flying back. No big public events or street welcomes – security is tight in Delhi, with police and special teams everywhere. The whole thing is planned to be smooth and focused on work.
What’s on the Agenda? Defense Deals Take Center Stage
The heart of this visit is defense. Russia has been India’s top arms seller for years – think tanks, jets and missiles that keep our borders safe. But the Ukraine war slowed things down, with delays in spares and new gear. Now, they want to fix that.
Top on the list: more S-400 air defense systems. India already bought five squadrons for $5.5 billion, and it worked well in tests last year. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, “Additional S-400s will be on the agenda.” That’s good news, as China keeps eyeing our skies.
Next, Su-57 stealth fighter jets. Russia wants to sell the export version, Su-57E, and even talk about making some in India. At the Dubai Air Show last month, Russian arms firm Rosoboronexport said they are ready for joint work. This could help India build its own fifth-gen fighters, under the “Make in India” push.
Other defense chats: Upgrading old Su-30MKI jets and T-90 tanks, plus more BrahMos missiles. BrahMos is a hit – India and Russia make it together, and now export to other countries. Putin is bringing his Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, so expect quick decisions.
But it’s not all guns. Energy is huge too. India buys cheap Russian oil – it jumped from almost zero to 40% of our imports after the war. This saved billions, but US tariffs (now 50% on Indian goods) are hurting. Putin wants to keep supplies steady, maybe with discounts or long deals. Talks could cover Indian stake in Russian Arctic oil projects.
Trade is lopsided – Russia sells us $64 billion, we send back just $5 billion. They aim for $100 billion by 2030. To fix this, a new labour pact lets Indian workers go to Russia for jobs in building, health and hotels. Russia just okayed it in their parliament this week. Also, nuclear power: Sharing tech for small reactors and finishing plants like Kudankulam.
Global issues? Ukraine will come up, but softly. India stays neutral – we buy oil but also send diesel to Ukraine. Modi might push for peace talks, as he did in Moscow. Peskov said they will “touch on regional and international issues.”
A Quick Look Back: How India-Russia Friendship Grew
To understand why this visit matters, think back. In 1971, Russia helped India during the Bangladesh war – they blocked US ships in the Bay of Bengal. That started the “special friendship.” Over decades, Russia built our steel plants, sent MIG jets and even helped with space tech.
Putin has come seven times before – last in 2021. Modi and Putin meet often, like 20 times since 2014. They call it “privileged strategic partnership.” Even with Ukraine, ties grew: Trade hit $69 billion last year, up six times. India skipped UN votes against Russia and kept buying arms.
But challenges too. US wants India to cut Russia links – hence the tariffs. China is close to Russia now, which worries India. Still, our people like Russia – polls show 50% Indians view it positive.
Why This Visit Matters for You and Me
For common Indians, this means jobs and cheaper fuel. More arms deals mean stronger army, better border safety. Oil talks could keep petrol prices down – we import 85% from abroad. Labour pact? Lakhs of youth could work in Russia, send money home.
Business side: Indian pharma and textiles to Russia, Russian banks investing here in rupees – no dollar worry. Nuclear plants mean more power, less blackouts in villages.
But risks: If US tariffs bite harder, our exports suffer – think jobs in steel and IT. Ukraine war drags, global prices rise. India walks a tightrope – friends with US too, for tech and defense.
Experts say it’s smart. Harsh Pant from Observer Research Foundation told reporters: “This shows India’s multi-alignment – we deal with all, no one’s boss.” Kremlin said: “It’s a chance to discuss the full agenda of our partnership.”
Official Words: What Leaders Are Saying
PM Modi tweeted last week: “Looking forward to hosting President Putin. Our talks will strengthen the special bond between India and Russia.”
Putin replied via Kremlin: “This visit is of great importance… to discuss all aspects of our privileged strategic partnership.”
President Murmu’s office: “Honoured to receive President Putin and host the banquet – a symbol of our deep ties.”
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, after meeting Putin in Moscow: “Conveyed PM Modi’s greetings. Preparations for the summit are on track. We value Russia’s perspectives on global issues.”
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi: “India must balance ties with Russia and West. Peace in Ukraine is key for world stability.”
From Russia, Peskov: “S-400 and Su-57 are high on agenda. We want deeper cooperation.”
Business voice: FICCI President said: “This summit opens doors for Indian exporters – let’s grab the $100 billion goal.”
Voices from Social Media: Indians React
On X, buzz is high. One user posted: “Putin in India! Time for more BrahMos and cheap oil. #PutinIndiaVisit” – over 2,000 likes.
Another: “Modi-Putin hug again? Shows we don’t bow to US pressure. Proud! #IndiaRussia”
Some worry: “Oil deals good, but Ukraine suffering. India should push for talks.”
A thread by @liveupdates247 broke down deals – got 2,700 views. VIF India think tank: “Relations in best phase – let’s explore untapped areas.”
FAQ – All Your Questions on Putin’s India Visit Answered
Q1. Why is Putin coming to India now, after so long?
It’s his first since 2021, delayed by COVID and Ukraine war. PM Modi invited him for the 23rd Annual Summit. Both want to review ties and sign deals. Kremlin says it’s to “comprehensively discuss” partnership amid global changes. With US tariffs on our Russian oil buys, this visit pushes back – shows India won’t drop old friends.
Q2. What big deals can we expect from the talks?
Defense: More S-400 missiles (after first batch success), Su-57 jets with local make, BrahMos upgrades. Energy: Steady cheap oil, maybe Indian share in Arctic projects. Trade: Labour pact for Indian workers in Russia (jobs in health, building), FTA talks with Russia’s trade bloc. Nuclear: Small reactor tech share, Kudankulam plant finish. At least 10-15 papers to sign, per MEA.
Q3. How does Ukraine war affect this visit?
India stays neutral – we abstain on UN votes against Russia, buy oil but send aid to Ukraine (diesel exports up 8 times). Modi might urge Putin for peace, like “not era of war” line from Moscow meet. No big fights expected – focus on bilateral. But US watches; Trump called it “undermining” peace efforts. Ties strong anyway – trade up 6x since war.
Q4. Will this hurt India’s US relations?
Maybe some tension – US hit us with 50% tariffs over Russian oil. But defense trade with US is $200 billion now, up from zero in 2005. India does multi-align: QUAD with US, BRICS with Russia. Experts say no big rift – Modi met Trump recently. Putin visit shows we choose based on need, not pressure.
Q5. How does this help common Indians?
Cheaper oil means lower petrol (Rs 2-3 save per litre if deals hold). Jobs: 1 lakh+ Indians could work in Russia yearly via new pact. Stronger defense = safer borders. Trade boost: More exports mean factory jobs. Power: New nuclear plants for villages. But watch inflation if global war drags.
Q6. What’s the history of such visits?
Russia’s leaders came often – Yeltsin in 1993, Putin 7 times since 2000. Last big one: 2021, with 28 deals. Soviet era: Helped in 1971 war. Now, 23rd summit – yearly since 2000. Shows trust: Russia never invaded us, stood by in crises.
Q7. Any security or protest worries in Delhi?
Tight setup – Delhi Police, SWAT, quick teams everywhere. No big protests expected; India pro-Russia mostly. Airport to hotels secured. Putin’s team handles his safety. Focus on smooth event.
A Step for Stronger Tomorrow
Putin’s visit is more than handshakes – it’s about real gains for India. From jets that guard our skies to oil that fills our tanks, these talks build on 70 years of trust. In a world of fights and tariffs, India shows how to keep friends close without picking sides.
As PM Modi said, it’s about “special bond.” For Russia, it’s a win against isolation. For us, it’s jobs, power and peace push. Watch the summit – it could shape 2026. What do you think? Share below.