New Delhi – The streets of India’s capital are buzzing with excitement today. Banners with pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin hang from lampposts along major roads. Russian flags flutter next to the Indian tricolour near key spots like Teen Murti Marg and Palam Air Base. It’s a warm welcome for Putin, who landed at Delhi’s airport this evening for his first visit to India in four years.
Putin stepped off the plane around 6:45 PM and was greeted personally by PM Modi – a rare honour that shows how strong the bond between the two leaders is. Right after, Modi hosted Putin for a private dinner at his home on Lok Kalyan Marg. This is like a family get-together – simple, friendly, and away from cameras. It reminds many of Modi’s visit to Moscow last year, when Putin did the same for him.
Tomorrow, December 5, the real action starts. Putin will get a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan from President Droupadi Murmu. Then, he’ll pay respects at Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial – a must-do for every world leader who comes here. After that, the big meeting: the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House. Expect talks on everything from weapons and oil to nuclear power and business deals. Up to 10 government agreements and 15 private company pacts could be signed.
This summit isn’t just routine. It’s happening at a tough time. The world is divided over Russia’s war in Ukraine. America has slapped extra taxes on Indian goods because we buy cheap Russian oil. China is getting closer to Russia, which worries India. But for both countries, this meeting is a chance to say: our friendship is rock-solid, no matter what.
PM Modi said on X today: “India-Russia friendship is time-tested and has benefited our people greatly.” Putin called Modi his “friend” last month and said he’s looking forward to the trip. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov added: “This visit lets us talk about our special strategic partnership in full – from politics to trade.”
A Friendship That Started Long Ago
India and Russia go way back. In 1971, when Pakistan attacked us, the Soviet Union (Russia’s old name) sent its navy to the Bay of Bengal to scare them off. That saved us big time. Since then, we’ve been close friends.
The annual summit started in 2000. It’s like a yearly check-up for our relationship. We’ve held 22 already – Modi went to Moscow for the last one in July 2024. Putin last came here in December 2021, just before the Ukraine trouble started. Back then, we signed deals worth billions. Now, after a gap, this 23rd one feels extra important.
Our ties are “special and privileged,” as both sides call it. Russia sees India as a big market and a strong voice in Asia. India sees Russia as a trusted partner for weapons, energy, and space. Over 100 agreements cover everything from farming to films.
But the world changed in 2022. Russia’s war in Ukraine split countries. West nations like the US and Europe hit Russia with tough sanctions. India didn’t join them. We kept buying Russian oil at low prices to help our people – petrol prices stayed down. Modi told Putin at a UN meeting: “This is not the time for war.” But we stayed neutral, balancing ties with Russia and the West.
Now, with Donald Trump back as US President, things are trickier. Trump has threatened more taxes on India for buying Russian oil – up to 50% on our exports. India says no – we need energy for growth. This summit is our way to push back and keep options open.
Defense: Guns, Missiles, and Planes on the Table
Defense is the heart of our friendship. Russia supplies over 60% of India’s weapons. From tanks to jets, most of our army gear comes from there. We’ve fought three wars with Pakistan using Russian MiGs and tanks.
Big talks expected tomorrow:
- S-400 Missiles: India bought five sets for $5.4 billion in 2018. Three are here, two more coming by 2025. These stopped Pakistani missiles in a recent clash. Now, we want five more – worth $10,000 crore – plus extra ammo. Maybe even the super-advanced S-500.
- Su-57 Fighter Jets: Russia’s latest stealth plane. India might buy 2-3 squadrons as an alternative to US F-35s. We could make them here under “Make in India.”
- BrahMos Missiles: Our joint baby – supersonic and deadly. Used in border fights with China. Talks on longer range and more exports, like to Indonesia (needs Russia’s okay). Even hypersonic version BrahMos-II could get green light by year-end.
- Other Stuff: Upgrades for Su-30 jets, T-90 tanks, and AK-203 rifles made in India. Also, a nuclear submarine lease delayed to 2028.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said last week: “S-400 has been a game-changer. We need more to stay strong.” But US is angry – they sanctioned Turkey for buying S-400. India ignores it, saying our choice.
Energy and Nuclear: Oil Keeps Flowing, Power Plants Rising
Russia is our top oil seller – 35% of our imports, worth $33.5 billion till September 2025. That’s down from last year due to US pressure, but still huge. Talks tomorrow: steady supply despite sanctions. Rupee-rouble payments help dodge dollar issues.
Nuclear is next big thing. Russia built Kudankulam plant in Tamil Nadu – India’s largest, with 6 units. Two running, four building. Now, new MoU for small modular reactors (SMRs) – small, safe plants for remote areas. Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev met India’s atomic boss last month: “We’re ready for more VVER-1200 reactors and fuel cycle work.”
India wants 100 GW nuclear power by 2047. Russia helps localise – make parts here for jobs and tech. Even floating plants for islands.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted: “Nuclear tie-up with Russia powers our clean energy dreams.”
Trade: From $13 Billion to $70 Billion – But Not Balanced
Bilateral trade hit $68.7 billion in FY25 – up five times from 2021. Goal: $100 billion by 2030. But India’s imports (mostly oil) are $63.8 billion; exports just $4.9 billion. Big gap.
At today’s FICCI business forum, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said: “We have huge chances in food, cars, phones, textiles. Let’s balance it.” Russia wants more Indian pharma, machines, farm goods. Free trade with Eurasian Union (Russia + 4 others) is in talks.
Deals expected: 15 business pacts in mining, railways, fertilizers. North-South Corridor for faster trade too.
Russian Deputy PM Maxim Oreshkin: “India’s share in our imports is just 2%. Time to grow.”
Beyond Deals: Culture, Space, and Global Chat
Not all about business. Putin might launch Russia’s RT news channel in India. People-to-people ties: Yoga in Russia, Bollywood there. Space: Joint moon missions.
Global issues: Ukraine peace (India pushes talks), China border, Arctic routes. Analyst Petr Topychkanov: “This shows Russia isn’t isolated.”
Security is tight – Delhi like a fortress, traffic alerts out. Protests small, but opposition like Rahul Gandhi questions protocol.
What This Means for India
This visit boosts our confidence. We show the world: India chooses friends, not follows others. Economy gets oil, jobs from deals. Defense stays strong against threats.
But challenges: US anger could hurt exports. Trade gap needs fixing. War shadows talks.
As former diplomat Mahesh Sachdev said: “These summits set new directions at the top.” Tomorrow’s outcomes will shape our next steps.
We’ll update as talks happen. For now, cheers to old friends meeting again.
FAQ: Common Questions on Putin’s India Visit
Q1: Why is this visit important after four years?
Putin’s last trip was in 2021, before Russia’s Ukraine war. The gap was due to COVID, sanctions, and an ICC warrant against him. This one shows ties are strong despite global pressure. It helps Russia break isolation and India balance US-China ties. Expect 10+ deals to push defense, energy forward.
Q2: What defense deals might be signed?
Key ones: More S-400 missiles (5 units, $10,000 crore) and talks on S-500. Su-57 jets (2-3 squadrons) for Air Force. BrahMos upgrades, including hypersonic version by 2026. Also, Su-30 upgrades and submarine lease. Russia supplies 60% of our arms, so these keep us ready.
Q3: How does oil trade affect this summit?
Russia gives 35% of our oil ($33.5B till Sep 2025), keeping fuel cheap. US tariffs (25-50%) hurt because of this. Talks aim to steady supply via rupee payments. Goal: Balance trade from $68.7B to $100B by 2030, with more Indian exports like pharma.
Q4: What’s new in nuclear cooperation?
New MoU for small modular reactors (SMRs) – safe for villages. Builds on Kudankulam (6 units). Helps India’s 100 GW nuclear target by 2047, with local jobs. Rosatom: “We’re partners for fuel and tech.”
Q5: Will Ukraine or China come up in talks?
Yes. India pushes peace talks on Ukraine – Modi said “not time for war.” China: Border issues, but Russia stays neutral. Also, Arctic routes and BRICS. Overall, focus on mutual security.