Russian President Putin to Visit India Soon, NSA Ajit Doval Confirms
New Delhi, August 7, 2025
In a major development underscoring the deepening strategic ties between India and Russia, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India by the end of 2025. This announcement corrects earlier speculation that the visit might take place as early as late August.
Doval’s remarks came during high-level security discussions in Moscow, where he met with Russian officials including Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. He conveyed New Delhi’s enthusiasm and reaffirmed the “strategic partnership” between the two countrie
Diplomatic Timing: Responding to U.S. Trade Pressure
These developments emerge against the backdrop of a renewed wave of U.S. trade pressure. Former President Donald Trump recently imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, raising the total tariff burden to 50%—a move aimed at penalizing India’s continued procurement of Russian oil. India, however, stressed its sovereign right to pursue independent trade decisions.
The timing of the planned visit by President Putin appears to signal a calculated diplomatic reinforcement of the India-Russia bond, particularly as New Delhi navigates through geopolitical headwinds and seeks to secure its energy, defense, and broader strategic interests.
Strategic Agenda and Partnership Dynamics
Putin’s anticipated visit is expected to touch upon several critical areas of mutual interest:
Defense Cooperation: India remains Russia’s largest arms buyer. Although New Delhi has diversified its sourcing, Russia continues to be a vital provider, including the much-delayed S‑400 missile system whose final units are expected by 2026–2027.
- Energy Security: Russia has emerged as a key supplier of oil and fertilizers, particularly as Western sanctions have targeted its economy. India’s energy diversification strategies would likely be central to discussions, reinforcing supply resilience.
- Geopolitical Alignment: With both nations championing a multipolar world order, topics such as reforming global institutions (e.g., the UN Security Council), emerging alliances, and coordinated foreign policy approaches may feature prominently.
Historical Context: A Long-Standing Strategic Partnership
India and Russia share a “special and privileged strategic partnership” that spans decades. Dating back to the Cold War era, the bond has been sustained through high levels of defense cooperation, civil nuclear collaboration, space exploration, and energy trade.
Defense Ties: From Sukhoi aircraft, AK‑226T helicopters, and BrahMos missiles to joint naval development, the defense relationship remains robust.
Economic Engagement: Energy trade—comprising oil, gas, and fertilizer—has surged post-Ukraine conflict, with trade crossing notable benchmarks. Discussions on FTA possibilities, investment protection, and collaboration in smart cities and infrastructure continue to evolve.
Diplomatic Milestones: Recent interactions, including PM Modi’s Moscow visit in July 2024 and his parallel visit to Kyiv, showcased India’s balancing role. Doval’s own diplomatic engagements in Moscow further reinforced dialogue on Ukraine, BRICS cooperation, and regional security dynamics
What Lies Ahead?
While exact dates remain unannounced, the framing of Putin’s visit “by the end of the year” provides a clear timeline for both governments to prepare. The visit is expected to serve multiple purposes:
Reaffirming strategic collaboration, particularly in energy and defense.
Broader geopolitical signaling, especially in the face of U.S. pressure, and as India balances global partnerships.
Setting the stage for renewed cooperation in areas like civil nuclear energy, space, and infrastructure.
Finalizing an agenda and schedule will be crucial as the year progresses. The visit could potentially precede or follow significant multilateral events like the G‑20 or BRICS summits, though such speculation awaits official confirmation.