Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit New Delhi on December 4, 2025, for a two-day trip marking the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be his first visit to India since the Ukraine conflict, highlighting efforts to protect growing trade from new US sanctions while advancing key defense agreements.

India's imports of Russian oil, which had surged to nearly 40% of its total crude after 2022 discounts, now face challenges from US sanctions targeting companies like Rosneft and Lukoil. Shipments have dropped by about a third, prompting Moscow to offer deeper price cuts, such as $7 per barrel on Urals crude, to maintain supply. Both nations are exploring rupee-rouble payments and alternative routes to reduce reliance on the dollar, continuing a strategy India has used during previous oil shocks. Kremlin aide Dmitry Peskov stated that they are “finding ways” to sustain trade, emphasizing the $56 billion economic relationship under strain.

In defense, Russia’s State Duma ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) pact on December 2, facilitating troop movements, equipment sharing, and joint operational logistics. The pact, signed earlier this year after delays, reinforces decades of arms collaboration, with Russia supplying over 60% of India’s military hardware. Talks are expected to focus on expediting the remaining S-400 missile squadrons under a $5.4 billion deal, alongside potential discussions on small modular nuclear reactors for energy security.

The summit also revisits broader strategic cooperation in areas like space, nuclear energy, and trade, at a time when India navigates its relationship with both Moscow and Washington. Putin aims to strengthen the partnership, possibly considering S-500 systems or additional defense collaboration, while Modi seeks consistent delivery of agreements despite complications linked to the Ukraine conflict. For India, the summit reinforces strategic autonomy, balancing Russian military support with Western technology, helping counter China while avoiding alignment in a polarized world. These measures could also stabilize energy costs, supporting India’s economic growth.