External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow ahead of the highly anticipated India-Russia Annual Summit scheduled for early December 2025. During this important diplomatic engagement, Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Putin, further underscoring the enduring and special strategic partnership between the two nations.

The meeting took place alongside the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, highlighting the broad scope of cooperation and diplomacy underpinned by this relationship. Jaishankar’s discussions with Putin were described as extensive and constructive, focusing on reinforcing bilateral ties, strengthening economic and trade cooperation, and advancing collaboration in defense and energy sectors. Notably, the two leaders emphasized the critical importance of multilateral platforms such as BRICS, SCO, and the G20 to address global challenges and promote a multipolar world order.

The India-Russia relationship continues to thrive despite global geopolitical pressures and sanctions on Russia. Trade between the two countries has grown significantly, reaching record highs in recent years due to innovative mechanisms such as local currency settlements and barter trade arrangements, which bypass many sanctions-related obstacles. Moreover, Russia remains a primary supplier of defense technology to India, with Moscow offering unrestricted technology transfer for advanced military assets like the Su-57 stealth fighter.

Prime Minister Modi has maintained close communication with President Putin, recently extending warm birthday wishes and reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening strategic ties. Modi’s upcoming hosting of Putin in India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit is highly anticipated, marking a quarter-century of elevated bilateral cooperation since the Declaration on Strategic Partnership was signed.

This summit is expected to further expand cooperation in key areas such as energy, maritime capabilities, connectivity, skill development, and the blue economy. Both countries are leveraging their longstanding friendship to enhance regional stability and economic growth, with a shared emphasis on a balanced foreign policy that prioritizes dialogue, diplomacy, and strategic autonomy.

Jaishankar's recent call on President Putin reaffirms India’s steadfast engagement with Russia, showcasing a partnership that adapts and strengthens amidst complex global realities. The December summit will provide a platform to accelerate joint initiatives, reflecting mutual trust and a forward-looking strategic vision.