Putin is visiting India on Thursday and Friday to attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Modi, who visited Moscow last year and met Putin briefly at a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in September, has refrained from condemning Russia over Ukraine, emphasizing a peaceful resolution, according to The Associated Press.

When Vladimir Putin’s plane touches down in New Delhi this week, he will be met with the pomp and ceremony reserved for one of India’s most steadfast partners. Yet his host, Prime Narendra Modi, is simultaneously forging a deep strategic relationship with a key global rival: the United States.

Putin’s New Delhi visit is expected to move beyond symbolism, with negotiators working on trade facilitation, smoother payment channels and sector-specific market access for Indian exporters. Defence officials are also pushing for committed technology transfer and co-production frameworks as India recalibrates long-term reliance on Russian hardware while managing pressure from Western partners.

India and Russia already collaborate on the BrahMos missile, licensed-production of Sukhoi aircraft, and maintenance of legacy platforms.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said India has the right to purchase Russian energy. Putin said criticism of India’s Russian oil imports is unfair, noting that the US still purchases nuclear fuel from Russia.

Putin begins his India visit with a meeting at PM Modi’s residence, as both sides focus on defence ties, Ukraine peace efforts, and deeper strategic cooperation amid rising global tensions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India aims to significantly boost economic cooperation, with New Delhi seeking to reduce its trade deficit

The Trump administration, which crippled Russia’s oil sales to India with sanctions, will be watching Mr. Putin’s talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.