Putin’s Arrival and Symbolic Gestures

President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on the evening of December 4, 2025, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed him at the airport before hosting a private dinner at his official residence, Lok Kalyan Marg. The warm reception set the tone for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, a tradition dating back to 2000.

On December 5, Putin received a ceremonial tri-services Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, a symbolic gesture highlighting Russia’s respect for India’s historical legacy.

Strategic Talks and Agreements

The summit at Hyderabad House was the centrepiece of the visit. Ten intergovernmental documents and over 15 commercial agreements were signed, covering defence, energy, nuclear cooperation, trade, and cultural exchanges.

Key highlights included:
Defence cooperation: Discussions on additional S-400 missile systems and potential collaboration on Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets.
Energy ties: Talks on diversifying beyond crude oil, with civil nuclear projects and renewable energy partnerships on the agenda.
Trade expansion: Both sides reaffirmed their target of $100 billion bilateral trade by 2030, with emphasis on easing market access for Indian products.
Labour mobility: Negotiations advanced on enabling Indian workers to take up jobs in Russia’s construction, healthcare, and hospitality sectors.

Geopolitical Context

Putin’s visit came at a time of heightened U.S. pressure on India to reduce Russian oil imports. The Trump administration has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports, citing New Delhi’s continued reliance on Russian crude. Despite this, India remains Russia’s second-largest oil buyer after China.

For New Delhi, the visit was a balancing act: reaffirming its “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” with Moscow while navigating strained ties with Washington. Analysts noted that India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy—maintaining relations with both Russia and the West—was on full display.

Cultural and Diplomatic Touches

Beyond policy, the visit carried symbolic gestures. National flags of India and Russia lined Kartavya Path, and hoardings featuring Modi and Putin were displayed across Delhi. At the state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, Putin emphasised that India and Russia were working together to build a fair, just world order centred on the United Nations.

Prime Minister Modi gifted Putin Assam Black Tea and a Murshidabad Silver Tea Set, underscoring India’s cultural diplomacy.

Conclusion

Putin departed New Delhi on the evening of December 5, 2025, after a tightly packed 30-hour visit. The trip reaffirmed the durability of India–Russia ties despite global turbulence. While defence and energy cooperation dominated headlines, the broader message was clear: both nations remain committed to sustaining their strategic partnership, even as India carefully balances its relations with competing global powers.