Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on December 4 for a fast-paced, 30-hour official visit that is expected to inject fresh momentum into the long-standing India–Russia strategic partnership. This will be Putin’s first visit to India in four years, and notably, his first since Moscow launched its military operation in Ukraine in 2022—giving the trip significant geopolitical weight.
The visit centres around the 23rd Annual India–Russia Summit, where Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the full spectrum of bilateral ties spanning defence, energy, trade, technology, and labour mobility.
Packed Itinerary: From Private Dinner to High-Level Summitry
According to officials, Putin is expected to land in the capital at 7 pm on Thursday, following which he will attend a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Modi at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The closed-door meeting is likely to feature wide-ranging discussions on global developments, regional security, and defence cooperation.
The main diplomatic engagements are scheduled for December 5.
The day is set to begin with a solemn visit to Rajghat, after which Putin will proceed to Hyderabad House for delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Modi. The two leaders will then issue a joint statement, outlining agreements and the strategic direction of bilateral cooperation.
Labour Mobility Pact, Defence Talks on the Agenda
One of the major deliverables expected during the summit is a labour mobility agreement, designed to enable skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers to take up employment in Russia in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and hospitality. This comes amid a growing demand for manpower in Russia’s domestic economy.
Talks on a potential Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are also set to be reviewed, a move that could deepen India’s commercial engagement with Eurasia.
Defence cooperation—long the backbone of India–Russia relations—will feature prominently. Discussions are expected to cover:
Progress on the S-400 air defence system
Potential collaboration on the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet
Naval cooperation and possible new military platforms
Expansion of joint drills through troop and warship exchanges
Meanwhile, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to meet Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov in New Delhi on Wednesday, ahead of the summit.
Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam
In the afternoon of December 5, Putin and Modi will address the India–Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam. The event aims to strengthen trade and investment ties, particularly in energy, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Bilateral trade has expanded rapidly in recent years, buoyed by discounted Russian crude oil and diversified Indian exports.
State Banquet and Media Expansion
President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in Putin’s honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday evening. The Russian President is expected to depart later that night.
The visit coincides with the planned launch of Russian state broadcaster Russia Today (RT) in India. A 100-member bureau is expected to begin operations soon, marking a significant expansion of Russia’s media presence in the country.
Delhi Turns into a High-Security Zone
The national capital has been placed on high alert ahead of Putin’s arrival. Delhi Police, central agencies, and Russian security teams have formed a multi-layered security grid covering Putin’s movements across the city.
According to police sources:
All movement will be monitored minute-to-minute in real time.
Locations on Putin’s route will be sanitised well in advance.
SWAT teams, anti-terror squads, quick reaction teams, and specialised units will be deployed.
Drone surveillance, CCTV networks, and technical intelligence systems will ensure 360-degree monitoring.
Over 50 members of Russia’s advance security and protocol team are already in Delhi conducting inspections.
Traffic advisories and restrictions are expected across key areas of the capital.
A Visit with Strategic Significance
Putin’s high-intensity visit comes at a time when global alignments are shifting rapidly. For India, the visit reaffirms New Delhi’s policy of maintaining strategic autonomy while deepening ties with all major powers. For Russia, it represents an opportunity to strengthen a long-standing partnership amid increasing friction with the West.
As the two leaders meet in Delhi, their discussions and agreements are expected to shape India–Russia relations for the next decade—spanning defence, energy security, labour mobility, and Eurasian trade.
