After nearly four years away, Russian President Vladimir Putin is heading back to India for what promises to be one of the most closely watched diplomatic visits of 2025. Scheduled for December 4-5, this trip marks Putin’s first journey to India since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, making it a significant test of their enduring friendship.
The timing couldn’t be more interesting. While Western nations have imposed heavy sanctions on Russia and pressured other countries to distance themselves from Moscow, India has chosen a different path. Like a friend who sticks by you during tough times, India has maintained its relationship with Russia despite international criticism.
This visit represents the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, showing just how committed both nations are to their partnership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally invited Putin, continuing their tradition of annual meetings. Putin has publicly called Modi a “dear friend and trustworthy partner,” which speaks volumes about their personal relationship. These aren’t just empty diplomatic words – they reflect decades of cooperation that both leaders want to preserve.
Defense cooperation will likely dominate their discussions. Russia has offered India access to advanced weapons like the S-500 air defense system and potentially the cutting-edge Su-57 fighter jet. Think of it as Russia sharing its best military technology with one of its most trusted allies.
Ongoing projects like the S-400 missile system and BrahMos missiles will also be on the agenda.
Energy deals present another major opportunity. India continues buying Russian oil despite Western pressure, partly because it offers good prices and helps diversify India’s energy sources. It’s a practical decision that benefits both countries while frustrating Western rivals. The trade-in value from this energy partnership is substantial compared to what India might get from alternative suppliers. Trade between the two countries currently reaches approximately $65-67 billion, primarily driven by these discounted Russian oil exports.
For Russia, this visit offers a chance to prove it still has important friends despite international isolation. For India, it demonstrates their commitment to independent foreign policy decisions.
Whether Putin can truly reignite trust and outshine Western influence remains to be seen, but this visit certainly shows that some friendships can weather even the stormiest geopolitical climates.
