Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host a lunch for the Russian President at Hyderabad House around 2 PM on Friday
Russian President Vladimir Putin will land in New Delhi today for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit—his first trip here since the Ukraine war began in 2022. It’s a two-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it’s easily one of the most significant diplomatic moments India has hosted in a while.
The timing is big. New Delhi is still walking a tightrope: maintaining its decades-old “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” with Moscow while juggling global flashpoints and steady Western scrutiny.
So what’s on the table? A lot, and it’s all high-stakes
Defence: Putin and Modi will dive into defence ties, especially the fast-tracking of pending S-400 Triumf air defence system deliveries. Expect serious talk about shifting gears from just buying equipment to co-producing it, including joint R&D.
Energy: With India–Russia trade hitting record highs thanks to discounted Russian oil, both sides are eyeing long-term deals. They’ll also look at restarting Indian investments in Russian energy projects (including in the Arctic) and expanding nuclear cooperation beyond Kudankulam.
Trade & economy: Trade is booming, but India’s trade deficit with Russia is widening. The push now is to get more Indian goods—from pharmaceuticals to agricultural products and machinery—into the Russian market. A mobility agreement for skilled Indian workers is also likely to be discussed.
PM Modi will host Putin for a private dinner tonight, but the heavy lifting happens tomorrow, Friday, December 5, during the formal talks.
Stay tuned. We’re tracking everything live, from the ceremonial welcome to the signing of agreements, with updates on what this visit means for the future of the India–Russia partnership in a shifting world order.
