Russia-India Ties: Putin-Modi Talks Draw Sharp Attention From Washington

For the first time since the Russia-Ukraine war began, President Vladimir Putin will visit India to strengthen strategic and economic relations. Before this, Putin has visited India ten times, with his first visit taking place in October 2000. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin have met each other around 20 times on various international platforms, reflecting the strong bond between the two leaders. Their recent interaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the SCO Summit drew global attention, with many describing it as a new RIC trio,this time standing for Russia, India, and China, replacing the earlier Russia-Iran-China grouping. Putin’s two-day visit is tightly scheduled. He will arrive in Delhi at 6:40 pm and proceed directly to meet PM Modi for a private dinner. On 5 December, at 11:00 am, he will reach Rashtrapati Bhawan for the ceremonial welcome, followed by a visit to Rajghat at 11:50 am to offer floral tributes. At 1:00 pm, Putin and Modi will attend a joint press conference at Hyderabad House. At 3:40 pm, he will participate in a cultural programme, and at 7:00 pm, he will meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan. He is scheduled to depart for Russia the same night at 9:00 pm. India and Russia are expected to sign 25 agreements covering defence, energy, trade, and technology. The meeting is considered crucial not only for both countries but also for the global strategic order. Amid U.S. pressure on India to limit its import of Russian oil due to sanctions, this high-profile engagement between Modi and Putin is being closely watched in Washington as well.