Putin Lands In Delhi For High-Stakes Summit As India Pushes Defence Deliveries, Energy Security

Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a crucial two-day visit to India on Thursday, a trip set to reshape the trajectory of New Delhi–Moscow relations amid global uncertainty and shifting power dynamics. The visit includes a private dinner with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit — an engagement closely monitored in international strategic circles.

Putin is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi late Thursday evening. Soon after landing, he will be hosted by Prime Minister Modi for a one-on-one dinner, mirroring the personal warmth and hospitality Putin extended during Modi’s Moscow visit in July 2024. Officials say the informal conversation is expected to set the tone for deeper negotiations on Friday.

Day two will begin with a ceremonial reception, after which the Russian President will visit Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi — an established diplomatic tradition for visiting world leaders.

The core of the visit will unfold at Hyderabad House, where Modi and Putin will lead the 23rd Annual Summit. High-level dialogues, followed by a working lunch, will focus on accelerating defence supplies, strengthening economic ties and navigating the fallout of the Ukraine war.

India is likely to press for faster delivery of pending military systems, many of which have faced delays due to supply chain disruptions linked to the conflict in Ukraine. A top priority is the S-400 air defence system — a USD 5 billion agreement signed in 2018. India has received three units, while the remaining two are expected next year. The S-400 gained renewed attention after its critical performance during Operation Sindoor.

Another major point on the agenda will be India’s evaluation of advanced combat aircraft, including the Russian Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov recently confirmed that discussions on next-generation air platforms may take place, although India continues to assess multiple global contenders, including the Rafale, F-21, Eurofighter Typhoon and F/A-18.

Energy cooperation will dominate a significant portion of the dialogue. As US sanctions complicate payment channels and shipping insurance for Russian crude, India is expected to seek clarity on the long-term sustainability of discounted energy supplies. Moscow has signalled confidence that short-term disruptions will stabilise.

Separately, Defence Ministers Rajnath Singh and Andrey Belousov will meet to review sensitive bilateral defence programmes and discuss future joint projects.