Putin to Visit India Next Week for 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, MEA Confirms

New Delhi, Nov 28 — Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4–5 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday.

The long-anticipated visit comes as New Delhi and Moscow continue to deepen their strategic partnership, even as the United States imposed punitive tariffs on India earlier this year over discounted Russian oil imports.

Confirming the visit, the MEA stated:
“At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin will pay a State visit to India from 04–05 December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.”

The ministry added:
“During the visit, President Putin will hold talks with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji will also receive President Putin and host a banquet in his honour.”

Underscoring the importance of the engagement, the MEA said the visit would allow leaders of both nations to review progress in bilateral ties, set the direction for strengthening the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” and exchange views on regional and global issues of shared concern.

Putin’s trip was first hinted at during National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to Moscow in August, though the dates were finalised only recently. Prime Minister Modi and President Putin had also held key discussions during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, where Modi briefly travelled with Putin in his limousine—an indication of the close personal rapport between the two leaders.

Tensions between the United States and India spiked earlier when former US President Donald Trump criticised India’s continued purchase of Russian crude, alleging it indirectly helped “fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine.”
New Delhi has consistently maintained that its energy decisions are driven by affordability and national interest.

Putin’s upcoming visit is expected to further consolidate India–Russia relations, which remain robust despite global geopolitical shifts. Talks during the summit are likely to focus on defence cooperation, energy partnerships, trade expansion, and regional security issues, including developments in Ukraine, West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific.

Preparations for the high-level engagement are in full swing, with both nations expressing strong intent to reinforce their longstanding relationship.

Putin last visited India in December 2021 for the 21st India–Russia Annual Summit.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met President Putin in Moscow and conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s greetings. He also briefed the Russian leader on preparations for the upcoming summit.

“Honoured to call on President Putin of Russia in Moscow today… Apprised him of preparations underway for the upcoming Annual India-Russia Summit. Also discussed regional and global developments,” Jaishankar posted on X.

Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his warm greetings to President Putin through Kremlin aide Nikolai Patrushev, who met him in New Delhi.

“Pleased to receive Mr. Nikolai Patrushev… We had productive discussions on cooperation in the maritime domain, including new opportunities for collaboration in connectivity, skill development, shipbuilding and blue economy,” Modi shared on X.