New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) President Vladimir Putin of Russia is scheduled to arrive in India on December 4–5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday.

This eagerly awaited visit occurs amidst the strengthening of strategic relations between New Delhi and Moscow, particularly following the imposition of punitive tariffs by the United States on India due to discounted imports of Russian oil earlier this year.

The MEA issued an official statement on Friday, stating: “At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President Vladimir Putin will undertake a State visit to India from 04–05 December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Furthermore, the MEA noted: “During this visit, President Putin will engage in discussions with Prime Minister Modi. The Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji will also welcome President Putin and host a banquet in his honour.”

Emphasizing the importance of this meeting, the press release added: “The upcoming State Visit will allow the leaders of India and Russia to assess the progress in bilateral relations, establish a vision for enhancing the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,’ and discuss regional and global matters of shared interest.”

The visit was initially hinted at during National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval’s trip to Moscow in August, although specific dates were not established at that time. Significant dialogues took place between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, including a notable moment when PM Modi accompanied the Russian President in his limousine, symbolizing the strong friendship between the two nations.

Tensions between Washington and Delhi briefly heightened after former President Donald Trump claimed that India’s ongoing purchases of Russian crude were indirectly “funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine.”

Nonetheless, New Delhi has asserted that its energy imports are driven solely by national interests and cost-effectiveness.

Putin’s upcoming visit signifies a pivotal moment for India-Russia relations, which have shown resilience despite evolving global dynamics and geopolitical strains.

The annual summit is anticipated to concentrate on energy cooperation, defense relations, trade growth, and regional security, covering issues such as developments in Ukraine, West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific.

Preparations for this high-profile visit are in progress, with both parties indicating a strong desire to bolster their enduring partnership.

Putin last made a trip to India in December 2021 for the 21st edition of this meeting.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with President Putin in Moscow and conveyed Prime Minister Modi's greetings. During this discussion, the EAM informed President Putin about the arrangements being made for the upcoming annual India-Russia Summit.

“I was honoured to meet President Putin in Moscow today. I conveyed Prime Minister Modi's greetings and updated him on the preparations for the forthcoming Annual India-Russia Summit. We also discussed regional and global developments. I greatly appreciate his insights and guidance for further enhancing our ties,” EAM Jaishankar shared on X.

Prime Minister Modi later expressed to a senior Kremlin aide his anticipation to host Putin in India next month, extending his “warm greetings” to the Russian President during a meeting with Nikolai Patrushev, aide to the Russian President and Chairman of the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation, in New Delhi.

“I was pleased to meet Mr. Nikolai Patrushev, Aide to the President and Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia. We had fruitful discussions on maritime cooperation, including new opportunities for collaboration in connectivity, skill development, shipbuilding, and the blue economy,” PM Modi tweeted after their meeting.