Putin’s India Visit Boosts Economic Agenda

Picture Credit: by IndiaWeekly

Russian President Vladimir Putin departed from Palam Technical Airport on December 5, 2025, concluding a high-profile visit that underscored the continued strength of the India–Russia strategic partnership. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was present to see him off, capping two days of intensive diplomatic and economic engagement.

Earlier in the evening, President Putin attended a formal dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Indian President conveyed appreciation for his longstanding support and personal commitment to advancing the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two nations.

During the visit, India and Russia finalized a five-year roadmap aimed at boosting economic and trade cooperation. The plan comes at a time when global commerce is being reshaped by sanctions and punitive tariff regimes imposed by the United States. Against this backdrop, New Delhi and Moscow appear determined to build resilient, mutually beneficial trade channels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reiterated India’s position that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine must be resolved through peaceful dialogue.

Picture Credit: by Mezha

Putin’s arrival in New Delhi on December 4 marked his first visit in four years and was met with a ceremonial welcome and a private banquet hosted by Prime Minister Modi. The visit carried strong commercial overtones, with the Russian leader accompanied by a large business delegation. Indian officials see this as a clear signal of Moscow’s intent to deepen economic engagement, particularly in areas that can help India reduce its widening trade deficit with Russia and expand market access for Indian products.

Beyond trade, the two sides are expected to broaden cooperation in mobility partnerships, cultural exchanges, people-to-people engagement, and scientific collaboration, further reinforcing a relationship that continues to evolve despite global geopolitical headwinds.