(Image source from: Indiatoday.in)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India on December 4 and 5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This trip is in response to an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In recent months, the two nations have become closer after the United States imposed tariffs on India's imports of Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs stated, "At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin will visit India from 4 to 5 December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit." During his stay in India, Putin will have discussions with PM Modi. President Droupadi Murmu will also greet the Russian president at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and will hold a banquet in his honour. According to the government, Putin's visit will allow Indian and Russian leaders to assess the progress in their relations, plan ways to strengthen their 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,' and share ideas on regional and global matters of shared interest.
The announcement of Putin's trip to India was made in August during National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's visit to Moscow. At that time, the specific dates were not confirmed.
In September, PM Modi and Putin met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, where they had a conversation for an hour in Putin's limousine. Earlier this month, PM Modi sent his regards to Putin when Nikolai Patrushev, an aide to the Russian president, visited him in Delhi. The PM also expressed his anticipation of Putin’s visit to India next month. India and Russia have maintained a strong bond, with trade and investment connections since the time of the Soviet Union. Over the years, the economic partnership has grown stronger, with Russia becoming one of India's leading suppliers of weapons. Additionally, India has been one of the largest importers of Russian oil. Trump had accused India of financing Russia's war against Ukraine through its oil purchases. Putin's trip could become an important point in India's international strategy, enhancing the strength of India-Russia relations while New Delhi manages its complicated relationship with Washington.
Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Putin has considerably cut down his international travel. Since India is not a member of the ICC, it is not required to arrest the Russian leader.
