Context:

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on 4–5 December 2025 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks his first India visit since 2021 and comes at a time of major global geopolitical flux. The summit will allow both sides to review their bilateral “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” and chart future cooperation in defence, energy, trade, and global affairs.

Significance of the visit:

Strategic & Diplomatic Significance

• • • First high-level bilateral summit after major global disruptions.
    • Reinforces India’s independent foreign policy and ability to engage all major powers.

Defence Cooperation

• • • Possible discussions on additional S-400 squadrons and pending deliveries.
    • Collaboration on joint manufacturing, spares, and long-term maintenance.

Energy & Economic Cooperation

• • • Expansion of oil, gas, nuclear, and renewable energy partnerships.
    • Negotiations on trade diversification and skill/labour mobility agreements.

Geopolitical Context

• • • Alignment on Ukraine conflict implications, Indo-Pacific developments, Eurasian security, and multipolarity.

Concerns for the summit:

• • Managing Western reactions to deeper India–Russia ties.
  • Ensuring that defence dependence does not compromise diversification.
  • Balancing Russia’s China alignment with India’s strategic concerns.
  • Addressing long-term trade imbalance and connectivity bottlenecks.

 About India–Russia Relations:

India–Russia relations are long-standing, strategic, and multifaceted, covering defence, energy, trade, technology, and geopolitics. In 2010, the partnership was elevated to a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

Key Areas of Cooperation:

• • Defence: Russia is India’s largest defence supplier. Key platforms: S-400, BrahMos, Sukhoi-30 MKI, T-90 tanks. Includes joint production and technology transfer.
  • Energy: Russia supplies discounted crude oil, fertilizers, and collaborates in civil nuclear energy (Kudankulam).
  • Trade & Connectivity: Bilateral trade exceeds USD 65 billion; projects like Chennai–Vladivostok maritime corridor and INSTC enhance connectivity. Both countries aim to raise bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.
  • Science & Technology: Collaboration in nuclear, space, and emerging technologies.
  • Geopolitics: Cooperation on multipolar world order via BRICS, SCO, G20; strategic alignment on Eurasian and global issues.

Challenges:

·         Trade imbalance (imports > exports)

·         Defence supply uncertainties due to sanctions

·         Managing Western pressures

·         Risks of over-dependence amid changing geopolitics

Strategic Significance:

·         Ensures strategic autonomy for India

·         Strengthens defence and energy security

·         Promotes connectivity, trade, and multipolar diplomacy

Way Forward:

·         Diversify defence and trade partners

·         Expand cooperation in emerging sectors

·         Institutionalize stable mechanisms and maintain diplomatic balance

 Conclusion

President Putin’s December 2025 visit offers a pivotal moment to reaffirm the India–Russia strategic partnership amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape. Defence cooperation, energy security, economic diversification, and geopolitical coordination remain central pillars of the relationship. For India, the summit is an opportunity to strengthen strategic autonomy, enhance national capabilities, and maintain balanced relations with all major powers. As both nations navigate a changing international order, the India–Russia partnership continues to hold long-term relevance—provided it adapts effectively to emerging realities.