President Putin (L) and Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi. (December 4, 2025).
Russian President Bladimir Putin’s India Visit: New Delhi, 5 December 2025 — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s has arrived in India on Thursday evening (December 4) for a high-profile state visit to India, to participate in the summit meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit, both sides are expected to discuss a range of strategic issues, including enhancing security cooperation and expanding their nuclear partnership. The visit is seen as a significant moment for Indo-Russian relations, as both nations seek to bolster their diplomatic and economic ties amidst growing global uncertainties.
Strengthening Security and Military Cooperation
During the visit, President Putin met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss an array of security concerns in the region, as well as global geopolitical shifts. In a joint statement released after the bilateral talks, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the strategic partnership between Russia and India. A key focus of the discussions was increasing military cooperation, particularly in light of the growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
One of the standout elements of the dialogue was the mutual agreement to deepen military-industrial collaboration. Sources have suggested that Russia is offering advanced defence technologies to India, which is looking to diversify its arms suppliers beyond traditional partners. The two countries are expected to sign a series of agreements in the coming days, which will include new defence contracts and an expansion of joint military exercises.
In addition to this, both leaders reiterated their commitment to combatting terrorism and addressing cybersecurity threats. With the security situation in the Indo-Pacific becoming increasingly complex, Russia and India are likely to increase their intelligence-sharing mechanisms, which will strengthen their ability to respond to emerging security challenges.
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Nuclear Energy and Technology at the Forefront
In what is being viewed as a major breakthrough in the nuclear sector, Russia and India have reportedly reached an agreement on expanding cooperation in nuclear energy. The deal is expected to see the construction of additional nuclear reactors in India, as well as enhanced collaboration on the development of cutting-edge nuclear technology. This is in line with India’s ongoing efforts to secure a more reliable and sustainable energy future, as it aims to meet its growing energy demands while reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
Russia, which has long been a key partner in India’s nuclear energy programme, is set to provide technological expertise and assistance in the construction of new nuclear power plants. The deal is also expected to include a focus on civil nuclear research and the potential for nuclear fuel supply arrangements.
In a statement released by the Kremlin, it was indicated that Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation, Rosatom, would play a significant role in the new projects. “The partnership between our nations in the nuclear sector is a cornerstone of our broader strategic collaboration. Together, we will continue to expand our peaceful nuclear cooperation,” Putin said during a joint press briefing.
The nuclear energy deal comes at a critical time, as India seeks to expand its clean energy capabilities in line with its climate commitments. The country has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in its power mix, with nuclear energy playing an increasingly pivotal role.
President Putin (L) and Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi. (December 4, 2025).
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A New Era for Indo-Russian Relations
Putin’s visit to India is widely regarded as an attempt to fortify the long-standing relationship between the two countries, which dates back to the Soviet era. The two nations have maintained close ties in areas ranging from defence and energy to trade and technology, and this visit appears to be a reaffirmation of their commitment to a “special and privileged strategic partnership.”
This visit is also notable for its timing, coming amid heightened tensions in Eastern Europe and Asia. As Russia faces increasing isolation from the West due to its actions in Ukraine, it is looking to deepen its relations with key partners like India, which has remained largely neutral in the conflict. The growing alignment between Moscow and New Delhi is seen as a counterbalance to Western influence in the region.
President Putin (L) and Prime Minister Modi (R) share a car ride in New Delhi. (December 4, 2025).
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With the visit still ongoing, it is expected that further details of the agreements reached between Putin and Modi will be revealed in the coming days. Both leaders are expected to sign a series of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on trade, technology, and military cooperation. The visit also includes a series of bilateral meetings with Indian business leaders, aiming to unlock greater trade opportunities between the two nations.
As India continues to expand its global footprint, particularly within the frameworks of the Quad and the BRICS group, Russia’s growing partnership with New Delhi is a development that many analysts are watching closely. Both countries are keen to assert their influence on the global stage, with security, energy, and military cooperation remaining at the heart of their evolving relationship.
For now, as President Putin’s visit unfolds, the world’s eyes will be on how the deal shapes the future of Indo-Russian ties in the decades to come.
