Russian President Vladimir Putin will begin a two-day state visit to India on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to host him for a private dinner soon after his arrival in New Delhi.

The 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, scheduled for Friday, comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and follows recent US sanctions on India. The summit is expected to prioritise defence cooperation, trade expansion, and energy partnerships as both nations look to strengthen their long-standing strategic ties.

Ahead of the visit, Moscow approved a key defence agreement with India, signalling renewed momentum in military collaboration. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has suggested that discussions may also include the potential supply of Russia’s Su-57 fighter jets to India.

Putin, making his first trip to India since the start of the Ukraine conflict, will be given a ceremonial welcome on Friday before formal talks commence. Multiple agreements are anticipated, including one aimed at facilitating the movement of Indian workers to Russia.

The two sides are also likely to deliberate on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, which New Delhi hopes will deepen economic and strategic engagement.

Following the summit, President Putin will attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. He is also scheduled to inaugurate the new India channel of Russia’s state-run broadcaster RT, marking an expansion of media cooperation.

In a statement issued on November 28, the Ministry of External Affairs said the state visit would allow both leaders to review bilateral progress, outline future priorities for the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”, and exchange views on key regional and global developments.