Putin’s Visit to India

(India - Russia Summit 2025)

● The 23rd India - Russia Annual Summit took place on December 4th and 5th, 2025 in New Delhi during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. It marked 25 years of India-Russia strategic partnership, with leaders Narendra Modi and Putin reaffirmed their ties amid global tensions focusing on trade, defense and energy cooperation.

● India and Russia established annual summits through the Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed on October 3, 2000 by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President Vladimir Putin elevating ties to focus on security , economy and global issues. In 2010 both countries’ relations upgraded to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”.

Key Outcomes

● Vision 2030 Economic Agreement: India and Russia signed a long term economic cooperation agreement to boost trade, investment and mobility until 2030. The aim is to diversify economic ties and open new business opportunities. India and Russia will cross the $100 billion bilateral trade target before 2030.

● Trade Volume: India-Russia trade reached USD 68.7 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25 which is driven by discounted Russian Oil, showing a strong economic partnership. Both countries agreed to fast track negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union to enhance trade.

● India and Russia have also agreed to continue working towards enhancing the settlements of the bilateral trade between the two countries in the national currencies, a non USD, third country proof payment mechanism to bypass sanctions.

● Free Tourist Visas for Russians: Russia will soon get free e-tourist and group tourist visas for 30 days promoting manpower mobility and people to people contact.

● Multiple Agreements Signed: Sixteen agreements were signed by both the countries covering defense, trade, healthcare, culture, academics and media to deepen collaboration.

● Agreement on establishing a framework for movement of skilled workers from India to Russia and safe migration between the two countries.

● Strong Defense Cooperation: Russia supports India’s “Make in India” initiative and India-Russia defense and military technical cooperation remains robust.

● Shared Stance on Terrorism: Both nations follow “zero tolerance policy” on terror, condemning recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam and Crocus city hall (Moscow) and reiterated commitment to fighting terrorism and extremism globally. Both countries stand for the speedy finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework.

● India’s Position on Ukraine War: India reiterated its call for peace and a lasting resolution to the ongoing Russia Ukraine conflict, while President Putin briefed PM Modi extensively on the situation.

● International Cooperation: Russia agreed to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) launched by India, highlighting joint efforts in environmental protection.

● A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Russia and India to provide training to the India seafarers by Russian agencies for ships operating in polar waters.

● Business Forum: The Indian and Russian leaders co-chaired the India-Russia Business Forum, emphasizing India’s growth trajectory toward becoming the world’s third largest economy.

● The University of Delhi (DU) signed a Statement of Cooperation with Russia’s National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University) to jointly set up a Space Mirror Lab.

● Defense Agreements: Both countries plan for upgrading Su-30MKI fighter jets, delivering S-400 systems, expanding BrahMos missiles and making spare parts together. They committed to new air defenses, fast missiles, drones and repair centers for India’s Russian weapons. A deal was made for joint military training and support.

● Energy and Nuclear Ties: They made progress on nuclear power plants like Kudankulam Units 7-8 and small reactors.

● Connectivity and People Ties: Both countries pushed forward on trade routes like INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) and Chennai-Vladivostok corridor.

Implications of India-Russia Summit

● Strengthens Strategic Autonomy: The summit reinforces India’s strategic autonomy, allowing balanced ties with Russia amid US tariff sanctions. It secures Russia’s backing for India’s UNSC permanent seat and deepens multilateral cooperation in BRICS, SCO and G20 Summits. This positions India as a key Eurasian player without alienating the Global South.

● Relations with US and Allies: Deepened defence-energy deals may strain India-US ties, as US pressures against Russian oil purchases and CAATSA threats. Allies like Europe could view India’s sanction evasion negatively, complicating Quad dynamics despite shared Indo-Pacific goals. India risks diplomatic friction but prioritizes autonomy.

● Western sanctions make rupee-ruble trades, bank transfers and big defence-energy bills harder, delaying deals and causing money worries.

● India’s engagement with Russia affirms its ability to pursue an independent foreign policy, avoiding over-reliance on any single power bloc. This summit enables India to balance its relationships without being compelled to fully align with Western pressures, thereby safeguarding its national interests and geostrategic independence. India’s firm stance with Russia demonstrates robust diplomacy that does not alienate its Western allies but promotes a multipolar world order beneficial to India’s rise.