New Delhi

Former ambassador Anil Trigunayat has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forthcoming visit to India is likely to be one of the most meaningful engagements between the two countries in recent years, calling it “highly significant and substantive.”

Reflecting on the long-standing India–Russia partnership, Trigunayat noted that the tradition of annual summits began under Putin’s leadership in 2000 as part of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. “Nearly 25 years later, that framework has consistently delivered strong outcomes for both sides,” he said, stressing that regular dialogue has helped maintain a stable and predictable relationship.

He pointed out that while the leaders of both nations have remained in continuous contact and held discussions on major global developments, an in-person meeting adds greater diplomatic weight. According to him, current geopolitical and economic shifts will heavily influence the agenda this year.

Trigunayat also drew attention to energy security as a major point of focus. “At a time when the U.S. has imposed additional duties on Indian energy imports, issues related to securing our energy needs will naturally feature prominently in the talks,” he said.

India and Russia have maintained a steady partnership in defence, strategic affairs, nuclear energy, and trade, and the upcoming summit will be held against this well-established backdrop.

The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that President Putin will be in India from “4 to 5 December 2025” for the twenty-third India–Russia Annual Summit. The invitation was extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit, Putin will hold comprehensive discussions with the Indian leadership, and the President of India will host him at a ceremonial banquet.

The summit is expected to take stock of progress in ongoing bilateral initiatives and chart future cooperation across defence, space, energy, and economic sectors. Both sides will also exchange views on regional issues and broader international developments.

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Putin’s arrival follows a period with fewer direct high-level engagements, giving this meeting additional diplomatic weight.