Russian President Vladimir Putin wrapped up his two-day India visit on December 5, proposing Su-57 jet production localisation. PM Modi and Putin inked 16 deals on defence, trade, energy, and more, eyeing $100 billion trade by 2030 amid global tensions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ended his first India visit since the 2022 Ukraine war on December 5, 2025, during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
This marked the 25th year of their strategic partnership. Putin suggested localising fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets in India, as per Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov.
PM Narendra Modi and Putin signed 16 agreements covering defence, trade, economy, healthcare, shipbuilding, nuclear energy, and critical minerals.
They committed to uninterrupted Russian fuel supplies despite US tariffs.
Modi pushed joint electric vehicle ventures and a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union. Trade targets $100 billion by 2030 via a new economic programme for jobs and shipping.
Summit Highlights and Leadership Praise
Putin praised India’s “technologically sovereign” path under Modi’s ‘Make in India’. He noted India’s fast-growing economy and independent policy yielding strong results. “India pursues a sovereign policy under PM Modi’s leadership,” Putin said at the India-Russia Business Forum.
Modi called the ties a “guiding star” for mutual growth. He highlighted diversified trade and cultural exchanges. Kremlin aide Dmitry Peskov had hinted at Su-57 supply talks pre-visit. No big defence deals closed. Yet, pacts signal deep trust.
Putin got ceremonial welcomes at Rashtrapati Bhavan and tributes at Rajghat with President Droupadi Murmu.
Strategic Agreements and Energy Assurances
The duo unveiled 16 MoUs. These span defence co-production, trade balance, healthcare, and investments. A 2030 economic roadmap covers jobs, shipping, and health sectors. Russia vowed steady oil, gas, coal supplies for India’s energy needs.
This counters US pressures on Russian oil imports to India. Modi stressed joint EV manufacturing. Talks advanced on Eurasian FTA. Putin assured “uninterrupted fuel” as a reliable partner. Rostec’s Chemezov backed Su-57 localisation to boost India’s defence self-reliance.
Leaders held talks at Hyderabad House. They followed with a joint press conference and business forum.
Visit in Geopolitical Context
Putin’s trip was his first since December 2021. It came amid Western sanctions and Ukraine conflict. India balances ties with Russia and the West. Modi greeted Putin at Palam Airport, breaking protocol. Discussions touched Ukraine peace.
Both eyed a rupee-rouble payment system for “third-country-proof” trade. Energy imports skew bilateral trade. Russia supports India’s UNSC bid.
The summit showed resilient partnership. It defies global divides. No Su-57 sales confirmed yet. But localisation talks advance ‘Make in India’.
Broader Implications for Bilateral Ties
These pacts deepen defence and nuclear cooperation. Shipbuilding and critical minerals feature prominently. Trade hit records via Russian energy.
India seeks balance with non-energy exports. Cultural exchanges got a boost too. Putin hailed Modi’s vision for sovereignty.
Modi reciprocated on enduring friendship. The visit underscores multipolar world dynamics. India gains tech transfers. Russia finds a steady market.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This summit promotes dialogue over discord. It champions peace, empathy, and coexistence amid tensions. India-Russia ties model pragmatic harmony.
They drive growth without confrontation. Trade and tech foster positive change for all. Such partnerships inspire ethical diplomacy.
