India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin for a high-stakes summit on Friday, with defence cooperation and energy trade dominating the agenda as New Delhi faces mounting US pressure to curb its imports of Russian oil.
The two leaders are also expected to review the shifting geopolitical landscape shaped by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the global trade instability triggered by US President Donald Trump’s steep tariffs—measures that have directly impacted India’s economy.
Putin’s trip marks his first visit to India since the war in Ukraine began and comes at a time when the two countries are negotiating major defence acquisitions, co-production agreements, oil supply deals, and broader economic partnerships.
Modi personally received Putin at the New Delhi airport on Thursday, greeting him with a warm embrace on a red carpet before accompanying him in the same vehicle to a private dinner—echoing a similar gesture Putin extended to Modi during their September meeting in China.
“India–Russia friendship is time-tested and has greatly benefitted our people,” Modi posted on social media, sharing a photograph of the two leaders smiling together in the car.
The warm optics came just months after President Trump imposed 50% tariffs on most Indian products, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian crude—revenue Washington argues is helping Moscow finance the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to India Today ahead of the summit, Putin described himself as “very happy” to reunite with “my friend” Modi.
“Our cooperation with India spans an enormous range,” he said, referencing joint work in shipbuilding, aviation, nuclear energy and space.
Political analyst Ashok Malik of The Asia Group said the visit aligns with India’s strategy of diversifying both its strategic partnerships and economic dependencies amid tariff pressure from Washington.
On Friday, Putin will receive a ceremonial honour guard welcome at the presidential palace before beginning formal talks with Modi.
Balancing acts
India is walking a diplomatic tightrope — relying on strategic Russian oil imports while trying not to provoke Trump during ongoing tariff negotiations.
“Balancing acts are second nature to Indian foreign policy making”, wrote Pankaj Saran, a former Indian envoy to Russia, writing in the Times of India.
The leaders will also address business and industry leaders before Putin attends a state banquet hosted by the Indian President Droupadi Murmu.
India, the world’s most populous nation, has become a major buyer of Russian oil, saving itself billions of dollars and providing Moscow with a much-needed export market after it was cut off from traditional buyers in Europe because of the war.
Putin also told India Today that Modi is “not someone who gives in to pressure”, when asked about the impact of US tariffs.
The Russian share of India’s arms imports fell from 76 percent in 2009-13 to 36 percent in 2019-23, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Besides discussions around cutting-edge defence hardware, which includes air defence systems, fighter jets, and nuclear submarines, New Delhi will push for easier access to the wider Russian market.
Bilateral trade reached $68.7 billion in 2024-25 — almost six times higher than the pre-pandemic levels — but Indian exports accounted for only $4.88 billion.
The two countries are expected to announce an agreement on easier mobility of Indian workers into Russia.
