In a major boost to India-Russia ties, the Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on 7 August announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to visit New Delhi before the end of this year. The confirmation comes at a delicate moment in the geopolitical theatre, marked by heightened scrutiny on India-Russia relations, especially amidst threats of American sanctions under the Trump administration.
While previous reports stated that Putin’s visit to India is scheduled before the end of August, NSA Doval later clarified to Russian media that the meeting will be held before the end of 2025.
Doval met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoigu, to lay the groundwork for the annual India-Russia Summit. While the visit has attracted significant attention from around the world, it is important to note that this was a pre-scheduled trip, which happened to coincide with the announcement of the new American tariffs. The upcoming visit by Putin will reaffirm the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The Indian NSA was later received by Putin at the Kremlin, accompanied by the Indian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Vinay Kumar. The Russian side also included Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov and Shoigu. Even though the details of this meeting remain undisclosed, it was marked by smiles and a display of positive optics.
During the meeting with Doval, Shoigu underscored the strong and time-tested friendship between New Delhi and Moscow. Shoigu emphasised the “comprehensive strengthening of their strategic partnership” as being driven by mutual respect, shared interests and the desire to unify agenda as of “paramount importance.” Shoigu further highlighted the importance of active cooperation for the creation of a “more just and sustainable world order ensuring the supremacy of international law and jointly combating modern challenges and threats.” He also noted that the continuation of dialogue between Putin and PM Modi remains of particular importance in solving bilateral and regional issues in the current “difficult international situation.”
Hinting at the finalisation of the dates for Putin’s visit, Doval described that the India-Russia summit meetings have been the “watershed points” that have consistently provided new direction to the bilateral relations. Doval also highlighted Russia’s support post the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack, reiterating both nations’ commitment to counter terrorism. This is Doval’s first visit to Moscow after the Pahalgam attack. However, Doval met Shoigu’s deputy, Aleksandr Venediktov, during the SCO NSA-level meeting in Beijing in June 2025.
Current Defence Scenario
Sources have claimed that Doval discussed issues relating to the crude oil imports, pending defence supplies, including the remaining S-400 missile system deliveries and the upgradation of Su-30 MKI fighter jets and held dialogue on Su-57 fighter jets. Additionally, an Economic Times report suggested that the talks could also include setting up S-400 Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India.
India currently has three operational S-400 missile systems, delivered under the 2018 contract for five regiments. These were used during Operation Sindoor for intercepting and neutralising multiple drones and missiles, demonstrating their critical value in the Indian air defence capabilities.
The establishment of MRO facilities will enhance India’s ability to independently maintain and upgrade sophisticated defence technologies, mitigate risks arising from international sanctions and supply chain disruptions, and support the broader modernisation of its defence infrastructure. This, in turn, would significantly boost India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. In a similar vein, the jointly produced Brahmos missiles contributed to the strategic discomfort of the Pakistani military during this four-day confrontation after Pahalgam.
Earlier this year, during the Aero India exhibition, the Russian Su-57 for the first time shared the same airspace with the American F-35. According to a report by The Print, Russian sources said that the aircraft was available to India for co-production, and further offered to help develop India’s own stealth fighter.
Additionally, as concerns grow about the expanding Chinese missile and aircraft capabilities, India is considering the acquisition of Russia’s S-500. Even though Moscow has reportedly proposed a joint production deal for the S-500, the deal faces challenges such as high costs and possible system downgrades.
Moreover, in 2024, the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture between the two countries, produced and transferred 35,000 Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Ministry of Defence. This venture has made India the first foreign customer to produce the ‘two hundredth’ series of Kalashnikov assault rifles.
Future Trajectory
With official confirmations of President Putin’s visit, India-Russia relations continue to deepen amidst a complex and evolving global order. The visit will be Putin’s first visit to India since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Indian Prime Minister Modi and Putin are also likely to meet at the sidelines of the SCO Tianjin Summit later this month.
The agenda of the upcoming 23rd India-Russia Summit is likely to be centred around strengthening strategic ties in defence, energy, trade, and regional security, along with expanded cooperation in areas such as the Arctic, civil nuclear partnership, and food security. Taking place during a pivotal moment in global geopolitics, the India-Russia Summit could act as a strategic compass for the future direction the India-Russia ties.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, while Russia condemned the incident as an ‘act of terror,’ it notably refrained from attributing responsibility to Pakistan. In this context, Russian authorities also stopped short of explicitly supporting India’s Operation Sindoor as an act of self-defence. This ambivalence led to some political observers suggesting a growing closeness between Russia and Pakistan. However, such claims were largely exaggerated and lacked substantive evidence.
Contrary to these speculations, India witnessed a rise in pro-Russian sentiment among both the general public and defence analysts, largely driven by the demonstrated effectiveness of Russian military equipment. As New Delhi and Moscow continue to engage with each other, with the two defence ministers meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qiandao to strengthen cooperation, there are undertones of the time-tested partnership withstanding American expectations, reflecting the former’s strategic autonomy.
Therefore, the current and forthcoming meetings indicate a mutual willingness to recalibrate priorities without compromising on long-standing defence, energy, and geopolitical cooperation. While India remains committed to a multi-aligned foreign policy, its engagement with Moscow reflects its pragmatism over a pressure approach, navigating the complexities of global alignments while safeguarding its national interests.
