Vladimir Putin India Visit Live Updates: Russian President Leaves for Delhi to Attend 23rd India-Russia Summit
New Delhi, December 5, 2025 – Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a high-stakes two-day state visit, marking his first trip to the country in four years. The visit centers around the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid global tensions over Ukraine, Western sanctions, and evolving trade dynamics. Here’s a live roundup of key updates as events unfold.
Arrival and Warm Welcome
- Thursday Evening Touchdown: Putin landed at Delhi’s Palam Airport late Thursday, breaking protocol as PM Modi personally received him with a hug and handshake on the red carpet. The leaders later shared a private dinner at Modi’s residence, signaling the strong personal rapport between the two nations.
- Delegation in Tow: Accompanying Putin is a high-level team, including Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, who held preliminary talks with Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on defense cooperation.
Summit Agenda: Trade, Defense, and Energy in Focus
The core of the visit is today’s bilateral summit at Hyderabad House, where Modi and Putin will discuss deepening ties despite U.S. pressures on India’s Russian oil imports. Key highlights expected:
- Boosting Bilateral Trade: India remains Russia’s top buyer of arms and discounted seaborne oil. Talks aim to counter Western sanctions and explore new pacts in civil nuclear energy and skilled labor mobility.
- Defense Deals: Potential announcements on additional S-400 missile systems and joint military projects. Russia supplies over 60% of India’s defense needs.
- Economic Resilience: With Trump-era tariffs looming, the leaders will address a possible U.S.-India trade deal while reinforcing the “privileged strategic partnership” between Moscow and New Delhi.
- Broader Issues: Labor migration, global security, and Ukraine peace efforts are on the table, as Russia seeks India’s support amid its isolation.
Friday’s Packed Itinerary
- Ceremonial Start (Morning): Putin receives a guard of honor at Rashtrapati Bhavan and meets President Droupadi Murmu.
- Tribute to Gandhi: A visit to Raj Ghat to honor Mahatma Gandhi, followed by restricted-format summit talks.
- Business and Wrap-Up: Interaction with Indian business leaders via the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The day ends with a joint press statement on agreements and a state banquet hosted by President Murmu before Putin’s departure.
Geopolitical Context
This visit tests India’s balancing act: strengthening Moscow ties while negotiating with the U.S. under President Trump, who has criticized India’s Russian oil purchases. Analysts note New Delhi’s dilemma—deepen Russia relations or risk setbacks with Washington. Kremlin statements emphasize the summit’s role in advancing a “broad agenda” for the enduring partnership.
Stay tuned for real-time developments, including any signed agreements or joint declarations. For more on India-Russia relations, follow our live coverage.
Sources: Reuters, BBC, Times of India, NDTV, Al Jazeera, AP News, and Economic Times (as of December 5, 2025).
