India and Russia are preparing to unveil a series of new agreements spanning trade, healthcare, agriculture, media cooperation and cultural initiatives during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming state visit to New Delhi on December 4–5, according to official sources. The trip marks 25 years of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership and will serve as the 23rd annual summit between the two nations.

Putin’s visit will be his first to India since Russia began its “special military operation” in Ukraine in early 2022. He is expected to land in the capital on the evening of December 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive him at his residence for a private dinner shortly after his arrival.

The formal engagements begin the next morning with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by inspection of a tri-service guard of honour. Putin will then visit Rajghat to offer tributes before travelling to Hyderabad House for wide-ranging talks with Modi. The two leaders are expected to deliver public remarks and witness the signing of multiple MoUs once the discussions conclude.

Later in the afternoon, Modi and Putin will jointly address the India–Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam, where economic cooperation and investment are likely to be at the centre of the conversation.

Ahead of the visit, the Kremlin signalled its willingness to work with New Delhi to reduce the significant trade imbalance between the two countries. Russian officials have also hinted at possible discussions on small modular nuclear reactors, defence collaboration and long-term energy supplies. Moscow is understood to be exploring ways to shield bilateral financial transactions from external geopolitical pressure.

On the evening of December 5, President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in Putin’s honour. The Russian leader is expected to leave India later that night, wrapping up a visit lasting roughly 30 hours.

BRAHMOS UPGRADES AND DEFENCE COOPERATION IN FOCUS

Advanced versions of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile are set to feature prominently in the defence discussions during Putin’s stay, sources told India Today. Talks are expected on newer, lighter air-launched models like the BrahMos NG, designed for compatibility with a larger share of the Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet and capable of hitting targets more than 400 km away. Extended-range versions—capable of striking at distances multiple times the current limit—are also on the table.

BrahMos, jointly developed by India and Russia, remains one of the most successful examples of defence co-production between the two countries. The missile system recently played a key role in Operation Sindoor, India’s four-day military engagement with Pakistan.

Both sides are also believed to have explored cooperation in areas such as hypersonic weapons and next-generation long-range air-to-air missiles during preparatory meetings for the summit.

India is additionally expected to finalise the purchase of 280 more missiles for its S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defence network, which was used to counter Pakistani threats during recent operations.

Meanwhile, the Indian Navy and other services continue to deploy BrahMos in greater numbers across their commands. With the system already exported to the Philippines, New Delhi is eyeing further sales in Southeast Asia.