Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in early December 2025, a significant diplomatic event that underscores the strong and enduring ties between the two countries, particularly in the energy sector amid complex international pressures. This visit comes at a time when India is carefully evaluating its options regarding Russian oil imports, a critical component of its energy strategy that has drawn global attention due to geopolitical tensions.

Putin and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a longstanding mutual respect, with Putin referring to Modi as a wise and nationally focused leader. Their scheduled meeting during Putin’s visit highlights the special and trust-based relationship between India and Russia, which dates back to the days of India’s independence struggle and the Soviet Union's support. Both leaders are expected to address how to deepen bilateral trade and address current challenges, especially in oil trade logistics, financing mechanisms, and payment solutions that could bypass traditional systems under Western sanctions.

India continues to rely heavily on Russian crude, which accounts for about a third of its total oil imports. Despite U.S. tariffs imposed as a punitive measure against India for continuing to buy discounted Russian oil, private Indian refiners like Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy maintain significant contracts with Russian suppliers, benefiting from lower prices and strong economic margins. Meanwhile, state-owned refiners are more cautious, balancing the need to secure energy supplies with geopolitical considerations and U.S. pressure, leading to a nuanced and split approach in the Indian oil market.

The visit will also reinforce India's efforts to expand exports to Russia in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agriculture, aiming to reduce the existing trade imbalance. Both nations have expressed a shared interest in advancing energy cooperation beyond oil, including joint development in hydrocarbons and Arctic shelf resources.