The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officially announced today that Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4–5 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. The visit, made at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will provide an opportunity for both leaders to review progress in bilateral relations and set a vision for strengthening the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" between the two nations. Discussions will also encompass regional and global issues of mutual interest.
During the two-day state visit, Putin will engage in talks with Modi. The President of India will also host a banquet in honor of the Russian leader. This summit marks a continuation of the annual meetings held alternately between India and Russia. So far, 22 such meetings have taken place. The last time Modi traveled to Moscow for the summit was in July 2024, while Putin's last visit to New Delhi was in 2021.
The MEA's announcement follows a meeting on Monday between Putin's top aide, Nikolay Patrushev, and India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, in New Delhi. Their discussions focused on crucial aspects of the India-Russia relationship in anticipation of Putin's upcoming visit.
The forthcoming talks between Putin and Modi are expected to focus on deepening cooperation across various sectors, including defense and security, trade, and energy. The "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" between India and Russia has been a cornerstone of their bilateral relations, fostering collaboration in diverse fields.
This visit underscores the continued importance of the India-Russia relationship in a changing global landscape. The annual summit serves as a platform to address key strategic interests and promote stability in the region. Both countries have a long history of cooperation on defense matters, with Russia being a major supplier of military equipment to India. Strengthening ties in this area is expected to be a key focus of the discussions.
In addition to defense, trade and economic cooperation are also likely to be high on the agenda. Both nations seek to expand their trade volumes and explore new avenues for investment and collaboration. Energy security is another area of mutual interest, with ongoing projects and potential for further cooperation in the energy sector.
The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit presents a significant opportunity for both countries to reaffirm their commitment to a strong and multifaceted partnership. By addressing key areas of cooperation and exchanging views on regional and global issues, India and Russia aim to further solidify their strategic alliance and contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.
