As Russian President Vladimir Putin smiled elegantly and patiently addressed questions in a rare interview with an Indian television channel ahead of his arrival in New Delhi, I could not help but ask myself two questions: 1) Is Prime Minister Narendra Modi having an Indira Gandhi moment on ties with Moscow? 2) Is there a Raj Kapoor who can take bilateral relations to another level?The answer to both questions, on a closer look, seems to be a “No” – but not a resounding one. But the warmth, the optics and the hugs between the two leaders in an annual summit are enough to send a message to President Donald Trump in Washington and indeed to the whole world is that this is a good show of India’s strategic autonomy – a term that is increasingly a cliché, but a very useful one in a world that is more multilateral than we saw during the Cold War years when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi signed the Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty in 1971.The treaty of 1971 was signed with the then communist Soviet Union, when Putin was only 18, under pressure. Pakistan had edged so close to the US and China that the treaty was a comprehensive one covering the economy, technology, peace, friendship, and cooperation, and most important of all, a clear defence agreement. Article IX of the treaty had said that if one of the parties was attacked or threatened, the other would immediately assist the other. That clause, signed in August 1971, became critical for India in the war that liberated East Pakistan to create Bangladesh four months later.India’s economy was then a weak one, and there was not much of a choice for Mrs Gandhi as President Richard Nixon in the White House played hardball, even deploying the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet in the Bay of Bengal.Many of the items figuring in the to-do list of Indo-Russian cooperation on Putin’s agenda this year look like a repeat of the ones in 1971, with much more scope emerging in fields like military manufacturing and nuclear power. Apparel and labour mobility are emerging as new focus areas on the economic front, not to speak of the elephant in the room: Russian oil, whose imports by India have invited indirect US sanctions on Russian entities to pressure India, in addition to penal tariffs on India tied to Russian oil.In spite of all that, the defence part of Putin’s summit with Modi this year is somewhat muted as it is more about trade than a military alliance that the 1971 treaty smelled of. &nbsp;There is little doubt, however, that like in 1971, the terms set by the US and the body language of President Trump will naturally make Modi dial M for Moscow if push comes to shove.India’s Operation Sindoor attack on Pakistan-based terror bases saw two starkly contrasting images. While Russia’s S-400 air defence systems helped India strike Islamabad’s airborne missiles and aircraft deep inside Pakistani territory, Trump’s repeated claim that he brokered peace in the backdrop of an outdated India-Pakistan false equivalence framework (a familiar theme in the US State Department) left mouths sour in Delhi.All that would make some believe that it is 1971 redux, but that would be misleading and superficial. &nbsp; Trump, with his quirky personality, is more of a hardline American nationalist than a superpower sniper. &nbsp;US defence deals with India involve too many conditions that make it difficult to do business, and defence trade, like oil deals, are a natural area of convergence between Moscow and New Delhi.Beyond that, however, there have been fundamental shifts that make the US a strategic partner for India in trade, especially with the ghost of China looming over both countries.A hard look at trade data gives us a clearer picture.India-Russian trade touched nearly US $69 billion in FY 2024-25, a nearly six-fold increase from pre-COVID levels, thanks to India buying Russian oil that turned cheaper in the wake of the Ukraine war. &nbsp;But Indian exports at close to $5 billion contrast with the oil-laden imports at close to $64 billion – showing a gaping deficit that could widen if there are no corrective efforts. India’s export basket, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, and engineering goods, shows a wide range but is limited in numbers.The US remains India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade close to $132 billion in FY 2024-25, with a huge surplus for India that sold everything from diamonds to software. India’s exports to the US in excess of $86 billion are way above the $45 billion in imports. Understandably, Trump is under pressure at home under his “Make America Great Again” plank to contain the deficit.Putin’s visit to India is thus a signal to the US that a MAGA overdose in the White House, compounded by a sanctions regime that clearly goes against independence for countries in bilateral trade, is something that India cannot stomach beyond a point. But the underlying trade numbers are such that, barring defence manufacture and areas like nuclear power, you cannot expect a magic wand that makes Russia a truly strategic trading partner for India.Once Putin flies back, and hopefully force Ukraine into a peace deal that looks more probable than it has been for the past two years, trade details will take centre-stage again. Modi’s “Make In India” dreams, defence manufacturing ambitions and fiercely autonomous nationalism may make Moscow and New Delhi edge closer – and even bring back the spirit of the Indo-Soviet rupee-rouble trade that marked the Cold War years. About 90% of Indo-Russian trade is already dollar-free.The Modi-Putin summit is an opportunity for both leaders to strengthen their respective economies, with new areas like labour mobility involving talent-rich Indians widening the scope of action. But a lot of hard work is needed, and much would now depend on what the US does in response to the bonhomie visible in Delhi.And there is no Raj Kapoor charming Russians to get any brownie points. Everything is down to the nitty-gritty and shifting circumstances. However, it can be said with reasonable certainty that on the world stage, India has emerged as a credible power, not the Third World client Nixon wanted or the tameable schoolboy that Trump’s cocky tones suggest. &nbsp;UK and the European Union also need to take note of this.Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The warmth, the optics and the hugs between the two leaders in an annual summit are enough to send a message to President Donald Trump in Washington and indeed to the whole world that this is a good show of India’s strategic autonomy.

As Russian President Vladimir Putin smiled elegantly and patiently addressed questions in a rare interview with an Indian television channel ahead of his arrival in New Delhi, I could not help but ask myself two questions: 1) Is Prime Minister Narendra Modi having an Indira Gandhi moment on ties with Moscow? 2) Is there a Raj Kapoor who can take bilateral relations to another level? The answer to both questions, on a closer look, seems to be a “No” – but not a resounding one. But the warmth, the optics and the hugs between the two leaders in an annual summit are enough to send a message to President Donald Trump in Washington and indeed to the whole world is that this is a good show of India’s strategic autonomy – a term that is increasingly a cliché, but a very useful one in a world that is more multilateral than we saw during the Cold War years when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi signed the Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty in 1971. The treaty of 1971 was signed with the then communist Soviet Union, when Putin was only 18, under pressure. Pakistan had edged so close to the US and China that the treaty was a comprehensive one covering the economy, technology, peace, friendship, and cooperation, and most important of all, a clear defence agreement. Article IX of the treaty had said that if one of the parties was attacked or threatened, the other would immediately assist the other. That clause, signed in August 1971, became critical for India in the war that liberated East Pakistan to create Bangladesh four months later. India’s economy was then a weak one, and there was not much of a choice for Mrs Gandhi as President Richard Nixon in the White House played hardball, even deploying the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet in the Bay of Bengal. Many of the items figuring in the to-do list of Indo-Russian cooperation on Putin’s agenda this year look like a repeat of the ones in 1971, with much more scope emerging in fields like military manufacturing and nuclear power. Apparel and labour mobility are emerging as new focus areas on the economic front, not to speak of the elephant in the room: Russian oil, whose imports by India have invited indirect US sanctions on Russian entities to pressure India, in addition to penal tariffs on India tied to Russian oil. In spite of all that, the defence part of Putin’s summit with Modi this year is somewhat muted as it is more about trade than a military alliance that the 1971 treaty smelled of. There is little doubt, however, that like in 1971, the terms set by the US and the body language of President Trump will naturally make Modi dial M for Moscow if push comes to shove. India’s Operation Sindoor attack on Pakistan-based terror bases saw two starkly contrasting images. While Russia’s S-400 air defence systems helped India strike Islamabad’s airborne missiles and aircraft deep inside Pakistani territory, Trump’s repeated claim that he brokered peace in the backdrop of an outdated India-Pakistan false equivalence framework (a familiar theme in the US State Department) left mouths sour in Delhi. All that would make some believe that it is 1971 redux, but that would be misleading and superficial. Trump, with his quirky personality, is more of a hardline American nationalist than a superpower sniper. US defence deals with India involve too many conditions that make it difficult to do business, and defence trade, like oil deals, are a natural area of convergence between Moscow and New Delhi. Beyond that, however, there have been fundamental shifts that make the US a strategic partner for India in trade, especially with the ghost of China looming over both countries. A hard look at trade data gives us a clearer picture. India-Russian trade touched nearly US $69 billion in FY 2024-25, a nearly six-fold increase from pre-COVID levels, thanks to India buying Russian oil that turned cheaper in the wake of the Ukraine war. But Indian exports at close to $5 billion contrast with the oil-laden imports at close to $64 billion – showing a gaping deficit that could widen if there are no corrective efforts. India’s export basket, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, and engineering goods, shows a wide range but is limited in numbers. The US remains India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade close to $132 billion in FY 2024-25, with a huge surplus for India that sold everything from diamonds to software. India’s exports to the US in excess of $86 billion are way above the $45 billion in imports. Understandably, Trump is under pressure at home under his “Make America Great Again” plank to contain the deficit. Putin’s visit to India is thus a signal to the US that a MAGA overdose in the White House, compounded by a sanctions regime that clearly goes against independence for countries in bilateral trade, is something that India cannot stomach beyond a point. But the underlying trade numbers are such that, barring defence manufacture and areas like nuclear power, you cannot expect a magic wand that makes Russia a truly strategic trading partner for India. Once Putin flies back, and hopefully force Ukraine into a peace deal that looks more probable than it has been for the past two years, trade details will take centre-stage again. Modi’s “Make In India” dreams, defence manufacturing ambitions and fiercely autonomous nationalism may make Moscow and New Delhi edge closer – and even bring back the spirit of the Indo-Soviet rupee-rouble trade that marked the Cold War years. About 90% of Indo-Russian trade is already dollar-free. The Modi-Putin summit is an opportunity for both leaders to strengthen their respective economies, with new areas like labour mobility involving talent-rich Indians widening the scope of action. But a lot of hard work is needed, and much would now depend on what the US does in response to the bonhomie visible in Delhi. And there is no Raj Kapoor charming Russians to get any brownie points. Everything is down to the nitty-gritty and shifting circumstances. However, it can be said with reasonable certainty that on the world stage, India has emerged as a credible power, not the Third World client Nixon wanted or the tameable schoolboy that Trump’s cocky tones suggest. UK and the European Union also need to take note of this. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

The warmth, the optics and the hugs between the two leaders in an annual summit are enough to send a message to President Donald Trump in Washington and indeed to the whole world that this is a good show of India’s strategic autonomy.

Putin’s India visit is strong on potential but needs a long haul to match the optics

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

ITC Maurya’s design draws inspiration from India’s ancient Mauryan dynasty, echoing grandeur and heritage architecture, while offering modern amenities expected in top-tier international hotels.

'Behind the gold doors': The untold story of Delhi’s ITC Maurya where Russian President will stay

Palam, originally a Royal Indian Air Force base turned civil airport, has over decades retained capacity to host non-civilian flights, VVIP arrivals, charter aircraft and government-operated planes. 

India-Russia Summit: Why Putin landed on Palam Airport instead of Indira Gandhi International?

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Indian on Thursday (Dec 4) for a state visit. He will be staying in India for 30 hours, as per the official schedule. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Russian president at the Palam Airport, and the duo carpooled to reach the official residence of PM Modi.&nbsp;This was the second time the duo was seen sharing the same car. Last time, in September, Putin had offered a ride to PM Modi in his official car during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-dubai-is-only-place-indians-respect-law-says-andrew-tate-internet-reminds-him-he-s-on-wanted-list-of-3-nations-1764688844758">'Dubai is only place Indians respect law', says Andrew Tate. Internet reminds him he’s on wanted list of 3 nations</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travel in the same car, as they depart from the Palam Technical Airport in Delhi President Putin is on a two-day State visit to India. He will hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra… <a href="https://t.co/oVtsOL7SnM">pic.twitter.com/oVtsOL7SnM</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1996578653774451122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Details of the car&nbsp;As per the clips shared online, PM Modi and Putin travelled in a Toyota Alphard, 4th generation. The car is often used as a VIP limo van and is preferred for government delegations and secure movement.&nbsp;During G20 (2023), India officially deployed over 100 Toyota Vellfires for delegates, reported widely by major outlets. This made it a default “VIP MPV” for protocol movements.&nbsp;Where will Modi-Putin meeting take place?&nbsp;Putin and PM Modi are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting at the Hyderabad House, a 97-year-old architectural landmark whose role in the country’s statecraft has only grown with time.&nbsp;In a few hours after being landed, as per the official schedule, Putin will be hosted by PM Modi for a private dinner. On Friday morning, the two leaders will assemble at Hyderabad House for delegation-level talks before issuing press statements around 1:50 pm.&nbsp;Amid this, the Hyderabad House has become a centre of attraction. It is not just another government venue. The Hyderabad House has evolved into the country’s principal stage for high-level diplomacy.

This was the second time the duo was seen sharing the same car. Last time, in September, Putin had offered a ride to PM Modi in his official car during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China.



Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Indian on Thursday (Dec 4) for a state visit. He will be staying in India for 30 hours, as per the official schedule. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Russian president at the Palam Airport, and the duo carpooled to reach the official residence of PM Modi. This was the second time the duo was seen sharing the same car. Last time, in September, Putin had offered a ride to PM Modi in his official car during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China. Also read: 'Dubai is only place Indians respect law', says Andrew Tate. Internet reminds him he’s on wanted list of 3 nations

This was the second time the duo was seen sharing the same car. Last time, in September, Putin had offered a ride to PM Modi in his official car during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China.&nbsp;

WATCH: PM Modi-Putin's bromance as they carpooled to Indian PM's residence

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for the first time since 2021 on Thursday evening (Dec 4). He was grandly welcomed by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a warm hug, handshake and smile. Along with PM Modi, Putin was also welcomed by a troupe of women with an Indian classical dance, following which both leaders departed New Delhi’s Palam Air Base together in the same car.<h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugs Vladimir Putin as the Russian president arrives in India on 2-day historic visit <a href="https://t.co/PIV9PRfN9C">pic.twitter.com/PIV9PRfN9C</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1996577152142282777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After Putin's grand welcome, the Russian president's office said in a post on social media that PM Modi’s decision to meet him at the aircraft ramp was unexpected, and the Russian president was not informed in advance about it.&nbsp;His arrival in New Delhi, his first major visit after travelling to the US and China, and his first to India since the Ukraine war upended Russia’s global standing, carries far more weight than its ceremonial packaging.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 23rd India-Russia annual summit is not just a bilateral meeting but also a geopolitical signal, a strategic recalibration, and a diplomatic test for India in a world that has become increasingly bipolar.<h3>India releases FULL itinerary of Putin's visit:</h3>Friday - December 5, 2025 - 11:00 hoursCeremonial Reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan Photo Op: AV Media&nbsp;Friday - December 5, 2025 -11:30 hours Wreath Laying at Rajghat Photo Op: AV Media&nbsp;Friday - December 5, 2025 - 11:50 hours Meeting with the Prime Minister at Hyderabad House Photo Op: AV Media&nbsp;Friday - December 5, 2025 -13:50 hours Press Statements at Hyderabad House Photo Op: All Media&nbsp;Friday - December 5, 2025 -15:40 hours Business Event Venue: TBC&nbsp;Friday - December 5, 2025 -19:00 hours Meeting with the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan Photo Op: Official Only&nbsp;Friday - December 5, 2025 -21:00 hours Departure from Delhi

Russian President Vladimir Putin was also welcomed by a troupe of women with an Indian classical dance, following which both leaders departed New Delhi’s Palam Air Base together in the same car.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for the first time since 2021 on Thursday evening (Dec 4). He was grandly welcomed by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a warm hug, handshake and smile. Along with PM Modi, Putin was also welcomed by a troupe of women with an Indian classical dance, following which both leaders departed New Delhi’s Palam Air Base together in the same car. Watch the video here

Russian President Vladimir Putin was also welcomed by a troupe of women with an Indian classical dance, following which both leaders left New Delhi’s Palam Air Base together in the same car for a private dinner at the PM's residence

WATCH | Modi, Putin hug as Indian PM receives Russian president with a red carpet

Vladimir Putin has visited India five times since 2000 as President of Russia, mostly for the annual India–Russia summit mechanism, usually alternating with an Indian Prime Ministerial visit to Russia. Here's the list of all the visits of Putin to India ever since he became President.

All the times Vladimir Putin visited India as Russian President

On Tuesday (Oct 7), as Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrates his 73rd birthday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him and conveyed his best wishes for good health and success in all his endeavours. The two leaders exchanged pleasantries on the call and also reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM Modi also expressed that he looks forward to welcoming President Putin to India.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/trump-weighs-tomahawk-missiles-ukraine-to-ramp-up-flamingo-missile-production-1759833335928/embed">https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/trump-weighs-tomahawk-missiles-ukraine-to-ramp-up-flamingo-missile-production-1759833335928/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;PM Modi and President Putin reviewed the progress in bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. PM Modi conveyed that he looks forward to welcoming President Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.&nbsp;<h2>About the India-Russia Annual Summit</h2>&nbsp;India, Russia annual summit is due to take place in the month of December, for which Russian President Vladimir Putin will be travelling to India. Last week, speaking at Valdai Forum, the Russian President said that he is “looking forward to my trip in early December and I highly await my meeting with my dear friend, our trustworthy partner, PM Modi.” The summit alternates between the two countries, and last year PM Modi had travelled to Russia for the summit.&nbsp;As part of the ongoing engagement, Indian NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar have been to Russia this year and both of them called on Russian President, which is significant. Besides a number of telephonic conversations between them, PM Modi and Russian President Putin met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov could travel to Delhi ahead of the annual summit, as part of the preparations for the December meeting between the top leaders.&nbsp;Defence, energy, and trade form the key pillars of Indo-Russian ties. Russia remains India’s largest defence supplier and has been a key partner in terms of technology transfer and co-development. S400s, which India bought from Russia, played a key role during India’s Operation Sindoor, a counter terror operation in Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is a key example of India-Russia joint venture, and it proved its reliability during Operation Sindoor and is being exported to countries like Philippines. India-Russia trade stands over $60 billion, driven by import of Russian energy by Indian companies.&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi wishes Russian President on his 73rd birthday. He also expressed that he looks forward to welcoming Putin to India.

On Tuesday (Oct 7), as Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrates his 73rd birthday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him and conveyed his best wishes for good health and success in all his endeavours. The two leaders exchanged pleasantries on the call and also reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM Modi also expressed that he looks forward to welcoming President Putin to India. https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/trump-weighs-tomahawk-missiles-ukraine-to-ramp-up-flamingo-missile-production-1759833335928/embed PM Modi and President Putin reviewed the progress in bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. PM Modi conveyed that he looks forward to welcoming President Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. About the India-Russia Annual Summit India, Russia annual summit is due to take place in the month of December, for which Russian President Vladimir Putin will be travelling to India. Last week, speaking at Valdai Forum, the Russian President said that he is “looking forward to my trip in early December and I highly await my meeting with my dear friend, our trustworthy partner, PM Modi.” The summit alternates between the two countries, and last year PM Modi had travelled to Russia for the summit. As part of the ongoing engagement, Indian NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar have been to Russia this year and both of them called on Russian President, which is significant. Besides a number of telephonic conversations between them, PM Modi and Russian President Putin met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov could travel to Delhi ahead of the annual summit, as part of the preparations for the December meeting between the top leaders. Defence, energy, and trade form the key pillars of Indo-Russian ties. Russia remains India’s largest defence supplier and has been a key partner in terms of technology transfer and co-development. S400s, which India bought from Russia, played a key role during India’s Operation Sindoor, a counter terror operation in Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is a key example of India-Russia joint venture, and it proved its reliability during Operation Sindoor and is being exported to countries like Philippines. India-Russia trade stands over $60 billion, driven by import of Russian energy by Indian companies.

Indian PM Modi wishes Russian President on his 73rd birthday. He also expressed that he looks forward to welcoming Putin to India.

'Looking forward to your India visit': PM Modi wishes Russian President Putin on his 73rd birthday

Russian President Putin is expected to visit India on 5, 6th December for the annual summit. This annual summit comes in a year when both countries are celebrating 15 years of "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership". Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last week confirmed that plans are underway for the upcoming visit of the Russian President to India.&nbsp;&nbsp;The India-Russia Annual Summit is key element of India and Russia time, and the mechanism was established in 2000. The summit alternate between the two countries, with few gaps after the Covid pandemic. PM Modi first invited Putin during his July 2024 visit to Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. The Kremlin formally confirmed acceptance on May 5, 2025, after a phone call where Modi also congratulated Putin on the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory Day in World War II.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-hit-by-another-quake-with-60-seismic-events-a-day-why-is-the-asian-nation-prone-to-so-much-ground-shaking-1759310112637">Philippines hit by another quake: With 60 seismic events a day, why is the Asian nation prone to so much ground shaking?</a>&nbsp;Focus during the visit will be defence ties, energy relationship. Both sides are going to discuss cooperation in grouping like BRICS, SCO. Russia supports India's bid for permanent membership of UNSC. Undoubtedly, war in Ukraine is something that will be something both sides have conversation on. India has called for dialogue &amp; diplomacy for early resolution of the conflict, that has escalated the prices of food, fuel and commodity prices, impacting the global south. The upcoming visit of Russian President will be his first ever visit to India since the war in Ukraine started in 2022.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-president-mallikarjun-kharge-admitted-bengaluru-hospital-ahead-of-kohima-rally-1759309679504">Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge admitted Bengaluru hospital ahead of Kohima rally</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to visit India on two-day visit from December 5

Russian President Putin is expected to visit India on 5, 6th December for the annual summit. This annual summit comes in a year when both countries are celebrating 15 years of "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership". Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last week confirmed that plans are underway for the upcoming visit of the Russian President to India. The India-Russia Annual Summit is key element of India and Russia time, and the mechanism was established in 2000. The summit alternate between the two countries, with few gaps after the Covid pandemic. PM Modi first invited Putin during his July 2024 visit to Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. The Kremlin formally confirmed acceptance on May 5, 2025, after a phone call where Modi also congratulated Putin on the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory Day in World War II. Also Read: Philippines hit by another quake: With 60 seismic events a day, why is the Asian nation prone to so much ground shaking? Focus during the visit will be defence ties, energy relationship. Both sides are going to discuss cooperation in grouping like BRICS, SCO. Russia supports India's bid for permanent membership of UNSC. Undoubtedly, war in Ukraine is something that will be something both sides have conversation on. India has called for dialogue & diplomacy for early resolution of the conflict, that has escalated the prices of food, fuel and commodity prices, impacting the global south. The upcoming visit of Russian President will be his first ever visit to India since the war in Ukraine started in 2022. Also Read: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge admitted Bengaluru hospital ahead of Kohima rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi first invited Putin during his July 2024 visit to Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit