Russia and India have shared a remarkably steady diplomatic relationship for decades. As President Vladimir Putin prepares for his scheduled state visit to India in early December 2025, interest has revived in understanding the historical context of his earlier trips and the broader history of Russian presidential visits. Official statements from the Ministry of External Affairs confirm that Putin will visit India from 4 to 5 December 2025 for the twenty-third India-Russia Annual Summit. His arrival is expected to reinforce long-standing ties and open the next chapter of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
India prepares to host Putin for the 2025 Annual Summit
The Ministry of External Affairs has formally announced that President Vladimir Putin will travel to India in December 2025 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During this visit, he will attend the twenty-third Annual Summit between the two countries and hold wide-ranging talks with the Indian leadership. The President of India will also receive him and host a ceremonial banquet in his honour.The summit aims to review progress in bilateral projects, evaluate ongoing programs in defence, space, energy, and trade cooperation, and frame future commitments. The meeting will also allow both sides to exchange views on regional matters and global developments affecting their strategic environment. The visit comes after a period in which direct high-level meetings were limited and therefore carries special diplomatic weight.
Source: MEA
Vladimir Putin’s India visits since 2000
Vladimir Putin became Acting President of Russia on 31 December 1999 following the resignation of Boris Yeltsin. He was formally elected and sworn in on 7 May 2000. His presidency marked the beginning of a renewed emphasis on closer India-Russia ties.
Across these years, Putin’s trips have helped maintain continuity in the partnership despite changing global conditions. India’s relationship with Russia has historically been built on defense cooperation, energy collaboration and diplomatic alignment on several international issues. These visits solidified that foundation.
Which other Russian Presidents have visited India
Although Vladimir Putin has been the most frequent Russian President to visit India, he is not the only one. The history of official visits reflects the evolution of India-Russia ties after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Dmitry Medvedev’s visits as President in 2010 and 2012
Dmitry Medvedev served as President of Russia from 2008 to 2012, while Putin took on the role of Prime Minister. During his presidency, India and Russia elevated their cooperation further.Medvedev made an official visit to India in December 2010. He returned to India again from 21 to 22 December 2010 for the annual BRICS summit.
Boris Yeltsin’s early post-Soviet visit in 2008
Boris Yeltsin, the first President of the Russian Federation, visited India in January 1993. This was a pivotal moment because it came shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. His discussions with Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao focused on overcoming challenges such as financial debt, stabilizing defense collaboration, and reaffirming diplomatic trust. This visit laid the groundwork for all future India-Russia interactions in the post Soviet era.
How these visits shaped the India-Russia partnership
Each Russian presidential visit has contributed to a long-term strategic structure that continues to shape relations in the twenty-first century. India and Russia established institutional frameworks that ensure regular cooperation in politics, defence, science, culture and trade. Annual summits became a central pillar of diplomacy and guaranteed continuity even in periods of global change.Putin’s repeated visits helped strengthen coordination in defense manufacturing, nuclear energy, oil and gas, space research, and high technology. Medvedev’s visits helped modernize the partnership and broaden civilian nuclear collaboration. Yeltsin’s visit kept the relationship alive during a challenging geopolitical transition.The continuity of these visits demonstrates that India-Russia ties are not transactional but built on decades of political trust and strategic complementarity.
