Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in New Delhi on Thursday, December 4, 2025, commencing a significant two-day state visit. This marked his first trip to India since 2021 and was widely seen as a strategic move to reset and deepen the longstanding partnership between the two nations amidst a shifting global landscape.
A Visit Steeped in Tradition and Symbolism
The visit commenced with a personal touch as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted President Putin for a private dinner on the evening of his arrival. This intimate gathering, a traditional feature of their summits, underscored the personal rapport between the leaders. The following day began with formal state ceremonies, including a ceremonial guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where Putin was received with full diplomatic protocol.
In a gesture rich with symbolism, President Putin paid his respects at Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This act of homage reinforced the goodwill and historical connection between Russia and India. Another poignant moment came when PM Modi presented President Putin with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting India's cultural heritage and the philosophical concept of dharma.
The High-Stakes Summit and New Economic Roadmap
The core of the visit was the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held at Hyderabad House. Here, President Putin and PM Modi engaged in wide-ranging talks covering defence, economy, and global strategic cooperation. The most substantial outcome was the announcement of a long-term economic cooperation plan extending until 2030.
During a joint press briefing, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a robust bilateral relationship. Several agreements were signed spanning trade, energy, industrial collaboration, and strategic sectors, forming the backbone of the new economic roadmap. President Putin specifically emphasized the reliability of Russian energy supplies to India, assuring that this pillar of cooperation would remain strong.
Building Bridges for the Future
The visit also focused on fostering business ties. An India-Russia Business Forum brought together industrial and trade leaders from both countries. The forum aimed to unlock fresh opportunities in areas like manufacturing, commerce, and labour mobility under the newly outlined 2030 cooperation framework.
President Putin's meetings extended to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where discussions centred on shared strategic interests. The visit, blending symbolic gestures with substantive agreements, successfully aimed to fortify the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia for the coming decade.
