Under agreements signed during Putin’s era, India and Russia formalised a framework for joint military-technical cooperation. Through this, major Russian-origin weapons, jets, missiles, helicopters and more, began being produced or assembled in India under licence or joint ventures.

From discount on oil to nuclear submarines! 10 things Vladimir Putin has done for India

When was the last time you saw the Russian President Vladimir Putin having alcohol, especially when he was at state banquets? Never. Multiple well-cited reports confirmed that the Russian president rarely drinks and avoids doing so in public, especially during official engagements. On multiple diplomatic accounts, Putin was seen raising the glass but not drinking from it. And there's a reason for it. Actually, there are multiple reasons for it.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-first-congratulate-him-for-gaza-deal-say-russia-supported-it-then-in-leaked-call-transcript-witkoff-reveals-how-to-crack-a-deal-with-trump-1764239775071">'First congratulate him for Gaza deal, then...': In LEAKED call transcript, Witkoff reveals how to crack a deal with Trump</a>&nbsp;Putin's choice of not consuming alcohol publicly might have been influenced by the former president Boris Yeltsin, whose public drinking became an international embarrassment for Russia. A report by Reuters has said that Putin ’s sobriety in public settings helped ensure he “never repeated his predecessor Yeltsin's mistakes.”&nbsp;It is well-publicised that the Russian president is a fitness freak. He is very particular about his diet and exercise. He often engages himself in judo, swimming, and outdoor activities.&nbsp;In a 2025 speech, Putin told a group of Russian female military-aviation graduates that he keeps fit by “regular exercise, cold exposure training … and tries not to drink any alcohol.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-1-200-to-each-affected-house-38-5-million-for-residents-aid-hong-kong-govt-after-building-fire-kills-55-leaves-hundreds-homeless-1764243371424">‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless</a>&nbsp;Another aspect could be national interest. Under Putin, Russia has implemented stricter alcohol policies: curbs on late-night sales, price minimums, and bans on alcohol advertising. Moreover, between 2003 and 2016, alcohol consumption per capita in Russia dropped by about 43 per cent, as per a Guardian report. Hence, avoiding alcohol at public events might be Putin's way of showing that he follows what he preaches. But, Putin is not a teetotaler. At least it’s not officially confirmed. He was seen, rarely, consuming or sharing a glass of champagne here and there. &nbsp;

It is well-publicised that the Russian president is a fitness freak. He is very particular about his diet and exercise. He often engages himself in judo, swimming, and outdoor activities.



When was the last time you saw the Russian President Vladimir Putin having alcohol, especially when he was at state banquets? Never. Multiple well-cited reports confirmed that the Russian president rarely drinks and avoids doing so in public, especially during official engagements. On multiple diplomatic accounts, Putin was seen raising the glass but not drinking from it. And there's a reason for it. Actually, there are multiple reasons for it. Also read: 'First congratulate him for Gaza deal, then...': In LEAKED call transcript, Witkoff reveals how to crack a deal with Trump Putin's choice of not consuming alcohol publicly might have been influenced by the former president Boris Yeltsin, whose public drinking became an international embarrassment for Russia. A report by Reuters has said that Putin ’s sobriety in public settings helped ensure he “never repeated his predecessor Yeltsin's mistakes.” It is well-publicised that the Russian president is a fitness freak. He is very particular about his diet and exercise. He often engages himself in judo, swimming, and outdoor activities. In a 2025 speech, Putin told a group of Russian female military-aviation graduates that he keeps fit by “regular exercise, cold exposure training … and tries not to drink any alcohol.” Also read: ‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless Another aspect could be national interest. Under Putin, Russia has implemented stricter alcohol policies: curbs on late-night sales, price minimums, and bans on alcohol advertising. Moreover, between 2003 and 2016, alcohol consumption per capita in Russia dropped by about 43 per cent, as per a Guardian report. Hence, avoiding alcohol at public events might be Putin's way of showing that he follows what he preaches. But, Putin is not a teetotaler. At least it’s not officially confirmed. He was seen, rarely, consuming or sharing a glass of champagne here and there.

It is well-publicised that the Russian president is a fitness freak. He is very particular about his diet and exercise. He often engages himself in judo, swimming, and outdoor activities.&nbsp;

Why does Putin refuse alcohol at state banquets? Is he a teetotaler?

With just hours left before Russian President Vladimir Putin reaches India for a vital State visit, which, among other things, includes a private dinner with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a video of Russian dancers grooving to Indian music is going viral on social media. Ahead of Putin's visit, Russia's state-run RTV shared the video, which it says "showcases the vibrant cultural bond shared by the two nations".<h2>Watch Russian dancers bust a move on Punjabi song. Viral video here</h2>Sharing the now viral video, RTV captioned it, "Diplomacy With A Beat - Russians Make Desi Moves Ahead Of Putin's Visit". The video showcases a bunch of male and female dancers "perfecting Indian choreography" to a popular song by Panjabi MC, "Mundian Ton Bach Ke Rahi" (literally translates to beware of the boys"."With President Putin arriving tomorrow, this video of Russian dancers perfecting Indian choreography showcases the vibrant cultural bond shared by the two nations," read the post. Watch video here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-dnt="true" align="center">Diplomacy With A Beat - Russians Make Desi Moves Ahead Of Putin&#39;s Visit 🇮🇳 🇷🇺 With President Putin arriving tomorrow, this video of Russian dancers perfecting Indian choreography showcases the vibrant cultural bond shared by the two nations. 📹 <a href="https://twitter.com/Kanthan2030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kanthan2030</a> <a href="https://t.co/7XyzeEjZLe">pic.twitter.com/7XyzeEjZLe</a>&mdash; RT_India (@RT_India_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_India_news/status/1996210313813704838?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Russian president in India</h2>Putin will arrive in India on Thursday (Dec 4) evening for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This is his first visit to India since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022; his last visit was in December 2021.His two-day state visit at the invitation of the Indian PM will begin with a ceremonial welcome and a tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Friday (Dec 5). From there, he will proceed to the Raj Ghat to pay homage at the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Modi and Putin will also hold diplomatic talks along with delegations at Hyderabad House.Ahead of the visit, the Kremlin said that defence cooperation will be a major talking point. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said discussions could include the sale of additional S-400 long-range air defence systems. He also said Moscow hopes to discuss India’s potential interest in the Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, calling it "the best plane in the world." Peskov revealed that Russia also plans to offer India small, flexible reactors, stressing that Moscow has "real experience" in building them and sees scope for expanding joint investments. He pointed to Russia’s key role in developing India’s civilian nuclear sector through the Kudankulam project and said the Kremlin hopes "for the continuation of this project". &nbsp;

A video of Russian dancers grooving to Panjabi MC’s minds Ton Bach Ke Rahi is going viral ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India visit. Russia’s state media shared it as a nod to India-Russia cultural ties, just as Putin prepares for talks with PM Modi.

With just hours left before Russian President Vladimir Putin reaches India for a vital State visit, which, among other things, includes a private dinner with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a video of Russian dancers grooving to Indian music is going viral on social media. Ahead of Putin's visit, Russia's state-run RTV shared the video, which it says "showcases the vibrant cultural bond shared by the two nations". Watch Russian dancers bust a move on Punjabi song. Viral video here Sharing the now viral video, RTV captioned it, "Diplomacy With A Beat - Russians Make Desi Moves Ahead Of Putin's Visit". The video showcases a bunch of male and female dancers "perfecting Indian choreography" to a popular song by Panjabi MC, "Mundian Ton Bach Ke Rahi" (literally translates to beware of the boys". "With President Putin arriving tomorrow, this video of Russian dancers perfecting Indian choreography showcases the vibrant cultural bond shared by the two nations," read the post. Watch video here:

A video of Russian dancers grooving to Panjabi MC’s Mundian Ton Bach Ke Rahi is going viral ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India visit. Russia’s state media shared it as a nod to India-Russia cultural ties, just as Putin prepares for talks with PM Modi.

As Putin heads to Delhi, Russian dancers go viral dancing to THIS Punjabi hit. Watch video here

New Delhi is all set to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin &nbsp;on December 4 for a high-profile two-day state visit aimed at strengthening defence, energy, and strategic cooperation between the two long-time partners. The visit comes at a time of shifting global power dynamics, Western sanctions on Moscow, and India’s continued push for strategic autonomy. The Modi-Putin meeting is closely being watched by the top leaders of the world including the one in Washington, making the engagement geopolitically very significant.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-president-vladimir-putin-arrives-in-delhi-tomorrow-for-high-stakes-india-visit-modi-meet-amid-strengthening-ties-1764745421461">Putin arrives in Delhi tomorrow for high-stakes India visit amid strengthening ties</a><h2>India–Russia strategic partnership</h2>India and Russia’s relationship have evolved one of the most enduring strategic partnerships of the Cold War era. Formal cooperation between the two countries began in the late 1950s, as the Soviet Union emerged as a key diplomatic, economic, and military partner for New Delhi. The relationship reached a defining moment during the 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation, signed ahead of the Bangladesh Liberation War, solidifying Moscow as India’s most reliable global ally.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-russia-and-india-set-to-ink-rocket-engine-deal-says-roscosmos-director-general-dmitry-bakanov-1764759415054">'Russia and India set to ink rocket engine deal', says Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Bakanov</a>&nbsp;After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, relations briefly slowed but regained momentum in the late 1990s when Russia backed India following its 1998 nuclear tests. In 2000, both countries signed the Strategic Partnership Agreement, later upgraded in 2010 to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” expanding collaboration across defence technologies like the S-400 system and BrahMos missile, nuclear energy projects such as Kudankulam, space missions, hydrocarbons, and trade. Despite global shifts, including India’s improving relations with the West and Russia’s closeness to China, the partnership remains resilient. India’s substantial purchase of discounted Russian oil after the Ukraine war reflects continued economic interdependence.&nbsp;<h2>How India-Russia strategic partnership changed after PM Modi</h2>India–Russia relations have shifted noticeably since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. UnderPM Modi, defence cooperation initially deepened with major deals like the S-400 air defence system, AK-203 rifle production, and continued work on the BrahMos missile programme. However, unlike earlier decades where Russia was India’s dominant defence supplier, PM Modi’s foreign policy diversified India’s procurement toward the US, France, and Israel. As a result, Russia’s share in India’s defence imports has declined, though cooperation in joint production and legacy military platforms remains significant.&nbsp;Economically, the relationship saw limited progress initially due to sanctions on Russia and low trade volumes. But the Ukraine war transformed this dynamic. India became one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude oil, increasing bilateral trade to record highs and shifting the partnership toward energy-driven economics rather than defence-led dependency. &nbsp;

Putin’s December 4 visit to India underscores a long-standing strategic partnership shaped by defence, energy and geopolitical alignment. Despite global shifts, sanctions on Russia and India’s growing ties with the West, cooperation, rooted in historic Cold War bonds, remains strong

New Delhi is all set to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 4 for a high-profile two-day state visit aimed at strengthening defence, energy, and strategic cooperation between the two long-time partners. The visit comes at a time of shifting global power dynamics, Western sanctions on Moscow, and India’s continued push for strategic autonomy. The Modi-Putin meeting is closely being watched by the top leaders of the world including the one in Washington, making the engagement geopolitically very significant. Also Read: Putin arrives in Delhi tomorrow for high-stakes India visit amid strengthening ties India–Russia strategic partnership India and Russia’s relationship have evolved one of the most enduring strategic partnerships of the Cold War era. Formal cooperation between the two countries began in the late 1950s, as the Soviet Union emerged as a key diplomatic, economic, and military partner for New Delhi. The relationship reached a defining moment during the 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation, signed ahead of the Bangladesh Liberation War, solidifying Moscow as India’s most reliable global ally. Also Read: 'Russia and India set to ink rocket engine deal', says Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Bakanov After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, relations briefly slowed but regained momentum in the late 1990s when Russia backed India following its 1998 nuclear tests. In 2000, both countries signed the Strategic Partnership Agreement, later upgraded in 2010 to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” expanding collaboration across defence technologies like the S-400 system and BrahMos missile, nuclear energy projects such as Kudankulam, space missions, hydrocarbons, and trade. Despite global shifts, including India’s improving relations with the West and Russia’s closeness to China, the partnership remains resilient. India’s substantial purchase of discounted Russian oil after the Ukraine war reflects continued economic interdependence. How India-Russia strategic partnership changed after PM Modi India–Russia relations have shifted noticeably since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. UnderPM Modi, defence cooperation initially deepened with major deals like the S-400 air defence system, AK-203 rifle production, and continued work on the BrahMos missile programme. However, unlike earlier decades where Russia was India’s dominant defence supplier, PM Modi’s foreign policy diversified India’s procurement toward the US, France, and Israel. As a result, Russia’s share in India’s defence imports has declined, though cooperation in joint production and legacy military platforms remains significant. Economically, the relationship saw limited progress initially due to sanctions on Russia and low trade volumes. But the Ukraine war transformed this dynamic. India became one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude oil, increasing bilateral trade to record highs and shifting the partnership toward energy-driven economics rather than defence-led dependency.

Putin’s December 4 visit to India underscores a long-standing strategic partnership shaped by defence, energy and geopolitical alignment. Despite global shifts, sanctions on Russia and India’s growing ties with the West, cooperation, rooted in historic Cold War bonds, remains strong

India-Russia strategic partnership: How it started vs how it is going

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Dec 2) said Moscow wants to push its partnerships with India and China to a "qualitatively new level," with deeper cooperation across key sectors. His remarks come just a day before he flies to New Delhi for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit on December 4–5 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be Putin's first visit to India since 2021.<h2>What did Putin say?</h2>Speaking at an investment forum in Moscow, Putin said Russia's goal is to expand the technological depth of its projects with both countries, pointing to ongoing work in energy, industry, space, agriculture, and other areas. "We aim to elevate cooperation with the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India to a qualitatively new level by strengthening its technological component. This is the objective of numerous joint projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture, and other sectors," he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-hour-kremlin-meeting-ends-with-putin-rejecting-trump-s-ukraine-peace-plan-no-compromise-on-territory-1764724500149">Five-hour Kremlin meeting ends with Putin rejecting Trump's Ukraine peace plan: 'No compromise' on territory</a>The Russian President noted that his economic dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping has been steady and detailed, and said he expects a similar conversation with PM Modi during his visit. "We have established a substantive dialogue on economic issues with the President of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping. We will also discuss these topics in detail during the upcoming visit to India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including increasing imports of Indian goods to our market," he said.<h2>Defence cooperation, S-400, Su-57 on the cards</h2>Ahead of the visit, the Kremlin said that defence cooperation will be a major talking point. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said discussions could include the sale of additional S-400 long-range air defence systems. "Highly on the agenda and this could be discussed. Our military industry is working pretty well. Russian arms 36 per cent in Indian armed forces and hopefully will continue," Peskov said.He also said Moscow hopes to discuss India’s potential interest in the Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, calling it "the best plane in the world." Peskov highlighted the long-running BrahMos missile partnership and said, "as far as our cooperation in the defence industry goes, let's remember the famous BrahMos missiles. It's not only just production, or it's not only acts of buying or selling, it's exchange of high technologies, and it really paves the way for a bright future in this field of cooperation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/putin-modi-bromance-times-when-russian-president-and-indian-pm-put-their-chemistry-on-full-display-1764703942216">Times when Russian president and Indian PM put their chemistry on full display</a>"We're developing quite, quite a variety of very complicated systems. And in this sense, of course, we have capabilities. We are ready to share this with our Indian friends, our experience," he added.Nuclear energy may also feature prominently at the summit. Peskov said Russia plans to offer India small, flexible reactors, stressing that Moscow has "real experience" in building them and sees scope for expanding joint investments. He pointed to Russia’s key role in developing India’s civilian nuclear sector through the Kudankulam project and said the Kremlin hopes "for the continuation of this project".&nbsp;

Putin said Russia wants to upgrade ties with India as he heads to New Delhi for the Dec 4–5 summit. As per the Kremlin, defence talks during the visit will cover S-400s, the Su-57 and BrahMos, with nuclear energy also likely on the table.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Dec 2) said Moscow wants to push its partnerships with India and China to a "qualitatively new level," with deeper cooperation across key sectors. His remarks come just a day before he flies to New Delhi for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit on December 4–5 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be Putin's first visit to India since 2021. What did Putin say? Speaking at an investment forum in Moscow, Putin said Russia's goal is to expand the technological depth of its projects with both countries, pointing to ongoing work in energy, industry, space, agriculture, and other areas. "We aim to elevate cooperation with the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India to a qualitatively new level by strengthening its technological component. This is the objective of numerous joint projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture, and other sectors," he said. Also read | Five-hour Kremlin meeting ends with Putin rejecting Trump's Ukraine peace plan: 'No compromise' on territory The Russian President noted that his economic dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping has been steady and detailed, and said he expects a similar conversation with PM Modi during his visit. "We have established a substantive dialogue on economic issues with the President of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping. We will also discuss these topics in detail during the upcoming visit to India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including increasing imports of Indian goods to our market," he said. Defence cooperation, S-400, Su-57 on the cards Ahead of the visit, the Kremlin said that defence cooperation will be a major talking point. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said discussions could include the sale of additional S-400 long-range air defence systems. "Highly on the agenda and this could be discussed. Our military industry is working pretty well. Russian arms 36 per cent in Indian armed forces and hopefully will continue," Peskov said. He also said Moscow hopes to discuss India’s potential interest in the Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, calling it "the best plane in the world." Peskov highlighted the long-running BrahMos missile partnership and said, "as far as our cooperation in the defence industry goes, let's remember the famous BrahMos missiles. It's not only just production, or it's not only acts of buying or selling, it's exchange of high technologies, and it really paves the way for a bright future in this field of cooperation. Also read | Times when Russian president and Indian PM put their chemistry on full display "We're developing quite, quite a variety of very complicated systems. And in this sense, of course, we have capabilities. We are ready to share this with our Indian friends, our experience," he added. Nuclear energy may also feature prominently at the summit. Peskov said Russia plans to offer India small, flexible reactors, stressing that Moscow has "real experience" in building them and sees scope for expanding joint investments. He pointed to Russia’s key role in developing India’s civilian nuclear sector through the Kudankulam project and said the Kremlin hopes "for the continuation of this project".

Putin said Russia wants to upgrade ties with India as he heads to New Delhi for the Dec 4–5 summit. As per the Kremlin, defence talks during the visit will cover S-400s, the Su-57 and BrahMos, with nuclear energy also likely on the table.

Ahead of Delhi visit, Putin vows deeper partnership with India, says he wants ties at a 'qualitatively new level'

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From discount on oil to nuclear submarines! 10 things Vladimir Putin has done for India

Why does Putin refuse alcohol at state banquets? Is he a teetotaler?

As Putin heads to Delhi, Russian dancers go viral dancing to Punjabi song. Watch

India-Russia strategic partnership: How it started vs how it is going

Ahead of Delhi visit, Putin vows deeper India partnership, ties at 'new level'