New Delhi, December 4, 2025 — Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi this evening for a two-day state visit, marking the beginning of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit — a key platform for strengthening the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations.
Putin landed around 6:35 PM at Delhi Airport, where he was received by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar amid heavy security and tight protocol arrangements.
Focus of the Visit: Defence, Energy & Trade on Top Agenda
According to senior government sources, the summit will witness major agreements across several sectors, including:
- Defence cooperation
- Energy and oil supply
- Trade expansion
- Health and agriculture
- Media & cultural exchange
One of the most anticipated topics is the enhancement of India’s air-defence capabilities, with discussions likely to include the continued supply of the S-400 air defence system and other joint defence production possibilities.
On the economic front, both sides aim to rebalance and diversify bilateral trade, which touched USD 63.6 billion in 2024. India is looking to boost exports of electronics, textiles, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals to Russia, while continuing steady imports of crude oil, defence equipment, and raw materials.
A Visit with High Geopolitical Importance
This summit is being held at a time of global geopolitical turbulence, especially due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and shifting diplomatic alignments worldwide. The meeting is expected to reaffirm India’s independent foreign policy and strategic autonomy.
Analysts believe the visit will:
- Strengthen India’s defence preparedness
- Secure long-term energy supplies
- Boost local manufacturing via joint ventures
- Open new doors for Indian exporters
- Reinforce New Delhi’s role as a balancing force on the global stage
Tight Security Arrangements in Delhi
Ahead of Putin’s arrival, Delhi witnessed:
- High-security deployment around key government zones
- Anti-drone systems at strategic locations
- Traffic diversions around Lutyens’ Delhi
- Special security corridors for the presidential convoy
On December 5, Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by an official banquet. The main summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be held thereafter, during which as many as 10 inter-governmental agreements and 15 commercial deals may be signed, according to early reports.
What This Visit Means for India
If key agreements move forward, this visit may have a long-term impact on:
- Defence modernisation
- Energy security
- Investment expansion
- Technology transfer
- Regional diplomacy
Experts expect the summit to create a 2030 strategic roadmap for future cooperation, shaping the next decade of India–Russia relations.
Edited by Qamar Farooqui
Source: Media and News Agencies
