Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a short but significant state visit, marking his first trip to India since the Ukraine war began in 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received him at the airport, and the two leaders were seen travelling together in the same limousine shortly afterward. Putin later attended a private dinner at the Prime Minister’s residence.
According to the official schedule, Putin will meet the President of India on Friday morning and pay tribute at a national memorial in Delhi before beginning formal summit discussions. The two countries are holding the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, during which a wide range of bilateral issues will be reviewed.
Defence cooperation is among the top priorities. India is expected to discuss the possible purchase of additional S-400 air-defence missile systems, joint development of new air-defence technologies, and potential collaboration on fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, including prospects related to the Su-57 platform.
Economic matters are also high on the agenda, especially concerns about the growing trade imbalance. India imports large quantities of crude oil and defence equipment from Russia, while Indian exports to Russia remain relatively limited. New measures to increase Indian exports, particularly in pharmaceuticals, processed foods, marine products and agricultural goods, are likely to be discussed.
Beyond military and energy cooperation, both sides aim to expand collaboration in areas such as space research, aircraft manufacturing, ship-building, emerging technologies, and industrial partnerships. Proposals include opening an additional Indian consulate in Russia and enhancing labour mobility for skilled Indian workers.
Strategically, the visit comes at a time of shifting global alignments and heightened pressure on Moscow from Western countries. For India, the meeting is an opportunity to reaffirm its long-standing partnership with Russia while maintaining its broader policy of strategic autonomy. The summit is expected to send a message about the continued relevance of the India–Russia relationship despite global tensions.
More detailed statements and agreements are expected following the conclusion of Friday’s summit-level talks.