Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. Talks to focus on defence ties, energy security, nuclear cooperation, and regional issues.

Putin Arrives in Delhi for High-Stakes India–Russia Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin reached New Delhi on Thursday evening for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to India since 2021. He will join Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, a key engagement underscoring the countries’ long-standing strategic partnership.

Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome on Friday before heading into delegation-level talks, where both sides are expected to issue a joint statement. His schedule also includes the India–Russia Business Forum and a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu.

Strategic cooperation remains at the heart of the discussions. Russia continues to be one of India’s major defence partners, while energy ties have deepened significantly—bilateral trade touched $68 billion last year, largely driven by India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude. The leaders are also likely to review collaboration in space technology, nuclear energy projects, and regional geopolitics.

This visit highlights not only institutional ties that date back to the Soviet era but also the personal rapport Putin and Modi have cultivated over more than two decades.

Putin’s arrival comes at a time when global power equations are shifting rapidly. For India, balancing its relationship with Russia while engaging the West requires strategic finesse. The summit offers New Delhi an opportunity to reinforce defence and energy security while signalling continuity in an old partnership. For Moscow, India remains a critical non-Western ally amid global realignments.