Russian President Vladimir Putin completed his first two-day visit to India since the Ukraine war began. The trip resulted in 19 agreements covering energy, trade, nuclear, and defense sectors. It underscores the strengthening partnership amid US pressure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on December 4, 2025, marking his first visit to India since the Ukraine war began. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed him at the airport that Thursday evening. On Friday, a ceremonial reception and guard of honor took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by bilateral talks, before Putin departed for Moscow late that evening.
The visit resulted in 19 agreements strengthening ties in energy security, economic cooperation, and strategic partnership. Russia assured uninterrupted supplies of crude oil, natural gas, and petrochemicals to India, despite the US imposing a 25 percent additional tariff on such purchases. Civil nuclear collaboration will expand, with Russia aiding in small modular reactors (SMR) and floating nuclear plants. India's goal is 100 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2047, up from the current 8 gigawatts.
Bilateral trade targets $100 billion by 2030, from $69 billion as of March 2025. The current trade shows a large Indian deficit—$5.39 billion imports from Russia versus $0.41 billion exports. Russia will offer up to 1 million job opportunities annually for Indians to address its labor shortage. Defense co-production will be emphasized, similar to the BrahMos missile. Space cooperation includes human missions, navigation, and rocket engine development.
At the state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, she referenced the 'Ganga-Volga' friendship and praised cultural bonds, such as those between Gandhi and Tolstoy. Murmu stated, 'Our cultures have a centuries-old connection.' Putin remarked, 'Discussions with Indian friends were truly constructive,' highlighting talks on politics, security, economy, and other sectors. Putin supported India's permanent UN Security Council seat and BRICS chairmanship in 2026. Anti-terrorism cooperation and rupee-ruble trade (already 96 percent) will increase. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) will link Mumbai to Chabahar, reducing trade transit time from 30-35 days to 20-25 days.
