Putin to Visit India in December: Summit with Modi to Deepen 15 Years of Strategic Partnership

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December for an official summit, signaling a strengthening of ties between the two nations despite increasing Western pressure. This announcement was made by Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov. Putin will also meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, to discuss preparations for the December visit.

The leaders will have their first in-person meeting this year on September 1 during the SCO Plus meeting. They have maintained regular contact via telephone calls. This face-to-face meeting underscores the close and special strategic partnership between India and Russia, which is celebrating the 15th anniversary of a significant statement passed in December 2010 that formalized their relationship.

The December visit from Putin comes at a time when India faces heightened tariffs from the US over its purchase of Russian oil. Despite this, New Delhi remains committed to its independent policies, underscoring the mutual interests and trust that have underpinned India-Russia relations for many years. Both countries continue to collaborate closely on defense, energy, and trade matters.

The upcoming summit is expected to further deepen this long-standing partnership. As the global geopolitical landscape shifts, India and Russia reaffirm their shared vision and joint efforts toward cooperation on multiple fronts.