Overview
- Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Dec. 4 and was greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi before attending a private dinner.
- It is Putin’s first visit to India since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and his first trip in four years.
- An official meeting between Putin and Modi is scheduled for Dec. 5, with a separate forum expected to address bilateral economic cooperation.
- Talks are expected to prioritize trade expansion and deeper defense collaboration between the two countries.
- Indian purchases of discounted Russian crude have reportedly fallen sharply since new U.S. sanctions announced in October, and Putin is expected to seek continued buying during the visit.