Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a grand welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi on December 5, 2025, marking a significant moment in global diplomacy. This is President Putin's first trip to India since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, underscoring the resilience of the strategic partnership between the two nations.
A High-Stakes Summit Amid Global Tensions
The high-profile meeting occurs against a complex geopolitical backdrop. The West has imposed severe sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Concurrently, former US President Donald Trump's administration has levied tariffs on New Delhi, linked to India's continued purchase of Russian oil. In defiance of these pressures, India has rolled out the red carpet, signaling its commitment to an independent foreign policy and the long-standing India-Russia relationship.
Ahead of the talks, the two countries finalized a major defense agreement. India secured a $2 billion deal for a nuclear-powered submarine from Moscow, a move that significantly bolsters its naval capabilities and underscores deep defense ties.
Key Agenda: War, Trade, and Mobility
The agenda for the Modi-Putin summit is packed with critical issues. The leaders are set to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, where India has maintained a neutral stance, calling for dialogue and diplomacy. Energy cooperation is another top priority, as India has become a major buyer of discounted Russian crude oil, helping to cushion the impact of Western sanctions on Moscow.
Other key discussion points include addressing the trade imbalance between the two nations and the expected launch of a labour mobility agreement. This pact could streamline the movement of Indian professionals to Russia for work opportunities.
Reshaping the Global Order?
The timing and substance of this visit raise profound questions about the shifting dynamics of international power. By strengthening ties with Russia amidst Western disapproval, India is asserting its strategic autonomy on the world stage. The outcomes of this meeting—particularly in defense and energy—could have lasting implications for global alliances and economic flows.
The summit demonstrates India's delicate balancing act: maintaining its crucial partnership with Russia while navigating its growing relationships with the United States and other Western nations. The deals signed and the statements made in Delhi will be closely analyzed for signs of how the global order may be reshaped by emerging, non-aligned poles of influence.
