Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to India on 4-5 December 2025 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During this time he will participate in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. During the visit, President Putin and Prime Minister Modi will review the progress of bilateral relations. The two leaders will also decide on a roadmap to further strengthen the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ and discuss regional-global issues. President Draupadi Murmu will also welcome Putin and host a banquet in his honour.
Let us tell you that defense cooperation is going to be the main focus of this summit. Issues related to India’s plan to purchase five more S-400 Triumf air-defense squadrons and the purchase of a large number of surface-to-air missiles for the already deployed S-400 systems will figure prominently in the talks. However, a decision on inducting two-three squadrons of Russian Su-57 fifth generation fighter aircraft by the Indian Air Force is still pending. In fact, Russia is strongly proposing these aircraft as an alternative to the American F-35 Lightning-II, but the Indian Air Force has not yet settled on any option in view of the future arrival of the indigenous AMCA stealth fighter (by 2035).
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Let us also tell you that the Cabinet Security Committee led by the Prime Minister is going to approve the modernization of the first batch of 84 Su-30MKI aircraft worth Rs 63,000 crore. This upgrade will take place in India only, but Russia will provide technical support in it. After modernization, these aircraft will be equipped with advanced air combat capability for the coming 30 years. India has to balance with both Russia and America in defense procurement. America has sold defense equipment worth $26 billion to India in the last 15 years. In addition, recently the procurement of 113 GE-F404 engines and follow-on support package of MH-60R helicopters for the Navy has also been approved.
At the same time, the Russian side has assured that out of the five S-400 squadrons purchased in 2018, the remaining two squadrons will be delivered to India by November 2026, which were delayed due to the Ukraine war. India has approved the purchase of additional S-400 missiles worth about Rs 10,000 crore, which have a range of 120 to 380 km. These missiles are being purchased to replenish the existing stockpile used in the recent tension with Pakistan and for future strategic preparation. Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Describing the S-400 as a ‘gamechanger’, Singh said that during Operation Sindoor, the system shot down at least five Pakistani fighter aircraft of the F-16 and JF-17 category from a distance of 314 km, which is the ‘longest kill’ recorded so far.
If seen, this visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India is taking place at a time when rapid changes are taking place in global geopolitics. US-China competition is at its peak, the Ukraine war has destabilized Europe’s security architecture, and strategic tensions in the Indo-Pacific region have reached new heights. In such a situation, the India-Russia annual summit has great importance not only in bilateral but also in global strategic perspective.
Let us tell you that the central principle of India’s foreign policy is ‘strategic autonomy’ i.e. neither complete American axis, nor dependence on any one power. Russia has been a reliable defense partner of India for decades. About 60–70% of India’s military platforms are of Russian origin. Therefore, cooperation with Russia in areas such as S-400, Su-30MKI upgrade, missile technology, submarine cooperation, and space partnership remain the backbone of India’s security strategy.
Furthermore, the unprecedented capability of the S-400 during Operation Sindoor made it clear how crucial the system is to India’s air defence. The demand for five more S-400 squadrons is indicative of India’s long-term security planning amid potential two-front challenges against either Pakistan or China. Also, Russia’s setting up of MRO facility in India will further strengthen self-reliance and logistics security.
Moreover, today when Russia is under Western sanctions and increasing its strategic tilt towards Asia, India-Russia relations are not limited to just defense or energy. This journey also gives many clear messages. For example, regular talks at the highest level between the two countries show the strength of the partnership despite international pressures. Also the S-400, MRO facility, Su-30MKI upgrade and possible Su-57 negotiations are crucial elements of India’s military preparedness. Furthermore, Russia views India as a stable, independent and reliable partner, which can provide a balance to China’s growing influence.
However, this visit of President Putin to India is an important event to strengthen India’s military capability, geopolitical position and strategic autonomy. Issues like S-400 and Su-30MKI upgrades relate to India’s immediate security needs, while issues like Su-57 and AMCA will shape future air-strategy. Through this visit, India is sending a message to the world that it is not an “ally” of any one power, but an independent, self-confident and active builder of a multi-polar world order.