Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon for a tightly packed 28-hour state visit—his first trip to India since the Ukraine war erupted in February 2022. The visit is being viewed as a major geopolitical moment, marking renewed engagement between two long-standing strategic partners.

Putin’s return to India comes nearly a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Moscow, during which both sides reaffirmed that the India-Russia partnership remains “time-tested” despite shifting global alignments.

Packed Diplomatic Schedule

Sources indicate that Putin is expected to arrive around 4:30 pm and will head directly to Prime Minister Modi’s residence for a private one-on-one dinner meeting, signalling the importance both nations place on personal diplomacy.

On Friday morning, the Russian President will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Hyderabad House before the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit begins. The agenda includes wide-ranging discussions on defence, energy, trade, geopolitical tensions and emerging regional challenges. Following this, PM Modi will host Putin for an official luncheon.

Putin is also scheduled to:

• Pay tributes at Rajghat

• Attend the launch of the Indian channel of Russia's state broadcaster RT

• Participate in a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu

He is expected to depart by 9:30 pm on Friday evening.

Key Issues on the Table

1. Russian Oil & Tariff Dispute

One of the most sensitive topics is India’s ongoing purchase of Russian crude. The Trump administration recently imposed steep tariffs on India over these imports—a move New Delhi has labelled “unjust and arbitrary.” Moscow has hinted that supply may drop temporarily due to Western pressure, though both sides are keen to stabilise the arrangement.

2. Ukraine Conflict

India is expected to reiterate its consistent position that the conflict must be resolved through “dialogue and diplomacy,” a line PM Modi has upheld for over two years.

3. Major Defence Agreements

New defence deals may be announced, including:

• India’s interest in Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft

• Additional S-400 air defence systems, which proved critical during Operation Sindoor

• Further technical cooperation under ongoing military programmes

Ahead of the summit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov will co-chair the 22nd Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Technical Cooperation.

India had earlier signed a USD 5 billion contract in 2018 for five units of the S-400 system, despite intense American pressure and sanctions threats under CAATSA.

4. Trade Imbalance and New Opportunities

Trade will be a major focus, with India pushing to expand its exports to Russia in:

• Pharmaceuticals

• Agriculture

• Food processing

• Consumer products

India currently imports nearly USD 65 billion worth of goods and services from Russia, but exports only around USD 5 billion, creating a massive imbalance.