New Delhi, Aug 30, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin will make an official visit to India in December at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to reports citing Kremlin officials. This visit comes at a crucial time as New Delhi faces increasing pressure from Washington, including steep tariff threats from former US President Donald Trump, over its continued energy trade with Moscow.

The Kremlin had earlier confirmed that Putin had accepted Modi’s invitation in May, but a date had not been finalized. News of the December visit coincides with preparations for a bilateral meeting between Modi and Putin on September 1 in Tianjin, China, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

This will mark Putin’s first visit to India since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, making it a significant diplomatic event amid shifting global alignments. The visit underscores the resilience of the India-Russia strategic partnership despite mounting Western pressure and sanctions on Moscow.

Tensions With the US

The announcement of Putin’s visit comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and the United States. Donald Trump recently announced an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, raising the total duty to 50 per cent. Washington has accused New Delhi of indirectly funding Russia’s war effort in Ukraine by purchasing discounted crude oil from Moscow.

India, however, has strongly rejected these allegations. Officials in New Delhi have emphasized that its crude oil imports are guided purely by market considerations and the need to safeguard national energy security. The government has also pointed out what it sees as hypocrisy, noting that several European countries continue to engage in trade with Russia even while pressuring India to scale back.

Moscow has stood firmly behind India, criticizing Washington’s tariff move as “unjustified” and an example of “double standards.” A statement from the Russian embassy even suggested that if Indian goods were shut out of US markets, Russia would welcome them.

Strengthening Strategic Ties

Putin’s upcoming visit is expected to focus on key areas of cooperation, including energy, defense, and trade. Russia has long been one of India’s largest defense suppliers, with ties dating back to the Soviet era. Over the years, the two countries have expanded their partnership to include energy collaboration, nuclear power, and joint investments.

India has increasingly relied on discounted Russian crude since Western sanctions disrupted global oil markets. This has made Russia one of India’s top suppliers, even as the move sparked criticism from Washington and European capitals.

The December visit is expected to reaffirm the commitment of both nations to their long-standing partnership, while also signaling India’s intent to maintain an independent foreign policy. Analysts suggest that Modi and Putin will also discuss ways to further enhance trade, diversify supply chains, and explore new avenues of technological collaboration.

As global geopolitics continue to evolve, Putin’s trip to New Delhi is seen as both a symbolic and strategic gesture, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between India and Russia at a time when international pressure is mounting.

Big power moves incoming!
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India this December at PM Modi’s invitation — his first trip since the Russia-Ukraine war. 🇮

The visit comes as India faces fresh tariff threats from Donald Trump over its oil trade with Moscow. With global tensions rising, Putin’s trip is expected to spotlight India-Russia ties in defense, energy, and trade.

Will this visit reshape global equations?

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