Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit New Delhi this week for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. This will be his first visit to India since the Ukraine war and one of his rare trips outside Russia. The visit carries important geopolitical weight for both countries. For India, it is an opportunity to strengthen its long-standing ties with Russia while balancing pressure from Western nations. For Putin, the visit is a chance to show that Russia still has strong international partners outside Europe and the US.
The India–Russia relationship has been built over decades. It began during the Soviet era and has grown into one of the world’s most dependable strategic partnerships. Russia has played a key role in India’s development in areas such as defence, space, nuclear energy, and oil. These ties have helped India become a stronger military and technological power.
Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi became India’s leader in 2014, he and Putin have met more than 20 times. Their relationship is built on trust and long-term strategy rather than short-term convenience. Both leaders often refer to each other as “dear friends.” India follows a policy called strategic autonomy, which means it makes its own decisions without taking sides between global powers. Russia has respected this, supporting India’s demand for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and staying away from India’s internal politics.
Putin’s visit comes at a time when India is balancing multiple international relationships. Russia is an old friend, while the US and European countries are becoming important partners for defence and trade. The Ukraine war and Western sanctions on Russia have made this balancing act more complicated.
For Russia, India has become a vital market for oil, weapons, and other trade. Western markets have largely closed to Russia due to sanctions, so India plays a crucial role in keeping Russian exports flowing. For India, Russian energy supplies and defence technology are still very important, even as the country diversifies its partnerships.
India’s military continues to rely heavily on Russian systems, including fighter jets, tanks, missiles, and submarines. Over time, the cooperation has evolved beyond simple purchases. India and Russia now work together to develop defence technologies. A notable example is the BrahMos missile, which was jointly created and used successfully in Operation Sindoor. Russian-origin systems like the S-400 air-defence network and Sukhoi fighter jets helped India strengthen its military capabilities.
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During this visit, India is expected to discuss new defence deals, including the Su-57 fighter jet and the S-500 missile system. In terms of energy, India has been buying Russian oil at discounted rates since the Ukraine invasion. This has helped India manage its energy costs, but it has also made trade largely one-sided. In 2025, Russia exported about 13 times more to India than India exported to Russia, with total bilateral trade reaching approximately $68.7 billion.
India has remained neutral in the Ukraine conflict, calling for peace without taking sides. This careful approach allows India to maintain relations with both Russia and Western countries. PM Modi highlighted this stance in 2022 when he told Putin, “This is not an era of war.” Even with global tensions, India and Russia continued to cooperate, and PM Modi visited Moscow in 2024 shortly after winning his third term. Putin’s current visit comes just after he met with US officials, showing India’s role in balancing international relations.
The India–Russia partnership has survived many challenges, from the Cold War to the Ukraine conflict, and from defence deals to discounted oil. The relationship remains strong because it is based on trust, mutual respect, and long-term interests rather than short-term political gains. Both countries see value in continuing cooperation in defence, energy, trade, and strategic areas.
In summary, Putin’s visit to India is more than just a diplomatic meeting. It reflects a deep, long-term friendship and strategic partnership that has adapted to global changes over decades. India continues to rely on Russia for defence technology and energy, while Russia depends on India as a trusted market and international partner. The visit also underscores India’s careful diplomacy, balancing relations with old friends and new global partners while maintaining its strategic autonomy.
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