Russian President Putin likely to visit India on December 5-6 for summit with PM Modi

Russian President Putin likely to visit India on December 5-6 for summit with PM Modi

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India on December 5-6 for a high-level summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, NDTV reported citing sources.

The visit marks an important moment in ties between the two countries amid friction between New Delhi and Washington over Russian oil imports.

The visit was first indicated during National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s trip to Moscow in August, though dates were not finalised at the time. Putin and Modi also held an hour-long discussion in the Russian leader’s limousine during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China earlier this month.

The announcement comes as relations between India and the US face strain after President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. Washington has framed the move as part of its broader effort to pressure Moscow into ending its offensive in Ukraine.

India has defended its stance, arguing that it turned to Russian oil only after traditional suppliers diverted exports to Europe following the conflict. Russia, in turn, has managed to redirect much of its energy trade toward India and China, offsetting Western sanctions.

India and Russia share decades-old ties, with Moscow being a top supplier of arms and energy. Since the Ukraine war began nearly four years ago, India has emerged as one of Russia’s largest oil buyers, helping sustain Moscow’s revenues despite sanctions.

Putin’s upcoming trip, his first to India since the International Criminal Court issued a warrant against him, could highlight the durability of Indo-Russian relations at a time when New Delhi seeks to balance its partnerships with both Moscow and Washington.