Putin’s India Summit: Arms Deals and Rising Oil Trade Redefine Historic Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi on December 4-5, 2025, for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, his first trip since the Ukraine conflict reshaped global dynamics. Hosted at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation, the two-day agenda covers defence, nuclear energy, hydrocarbons, space, technology, and trade, amid US tariffs on Indian goods linked to Russian oil purchases. Discussions may spotlight Russia’s advanced S-500 air-defence system, building on the S-400’s role in shielding India from prior threats, while Putin meets President Droupadi Murmu.​

India’s defence reliance on Russia, once dominant at 89% of arms imports in 2002 per SIPRI data, has declined to 36% in 2019-2023 as New Delhi diversifies to France and the US. Legacy Soviet systems still demand Russian spares, alongside major deals for nuclear submarines and hypersonics. Procurement shifts emphasize air-defence, missiles, naval vessels, armoured vehicles, and joint production under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, reducing single-supplier risks exposed by Ukraine supply disruptions.​

Energy trade tells a contrasting story of growth: India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, ramped up discounted Russian crude post-2022 sanctions, pushing imports from 1.4% to 9% of total by 2024-25. Exports to Russia lag at 1%, mainly pharmaceuticals and machinery, creating a lopsided but vital flow of oil, coal, and fertilizers. Putin’s visit eyes long-term pricing stability amid volatile markets.​

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Key stakes include S-500 advancements, deeper tech transfers for missiles and aviation, and self-reliance pacts. As India balances ties with the US, France, and Japan, the summit tests Moscow’s role in a multipolar landscape, blending non-exclusive defence links with economic interdependence.​

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