This visit, Putin’s first to India in four years, carries immense geopolitical weight, being the first since Russia’s military action in Ukraine began in 2022.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to land in New Delhi for a, high-stakes 30-hour visit, centred around the 23rd annual India-Russia bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The short but packed itinerary, running from the evening of December 4 to late on December 5, is expected to reaffirm the strategic partnership that has spanned a quarter century between the two countries.
This visit, Putin’s first to India in four years, carries immense geopolitical weight, being the first since Russia’s military action in Ukraine began in 2022. Ahead of his arrival, the Russian President outlined the ambitious goal for his trip, sharing his intent to “take India-Russia ties to a new level.”
After an evening touchdown in Delhi on December 4, Putin will be received by PM Modi and will attend a private dinner at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg from 7 pm onwards.
The main events are tightly scheduled for December 5.
The centerpiece of the visit—the 23rd India-Russia Summit—is slated for 11 am at Hyderabad House. The leaders are set to finalise a series of significant agreements, primarily focused on defence, energy, trade, technology, space, and strategic cooperation. A joint statement will follow their discussions.
Beyond the traditional defence and energy sectors, economic ties are a major focus. In the afternoon, both leaders are scheduled to address the India–Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam, aimed at strengthening bilateral commerce.
Officials in the Ministry of External Affairs have confirmed that a key agreement under finalisation is a labour mobility pact, which will facilitate the deployment of skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers in Russia’s construction, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. Discussions will also cover a potential free-trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
In the evening, President Draupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in Putin’s honour before his late-night departure. The visit also coincides with the planned launch of the Russian state broadcaster, Russia Today (RT), with a 100-member bureau set to begin operations in India.
That said, the government is yet to issue an official outline of Putin’s schedule and planned activities.
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