New Delhi, December 4-5, 2025:
It was a crisp evening on December 4, 2025, when the roar of jet engines announced the arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Awaiting him with a warm smile and formal protocol was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, personally there to welcome the Russian leader.

Our friendship has stood the test of time, Modi said, shaking hands with Putin - a gesture that set the tone for two days of high-level diplomatic talks.

The evening proceeded quietly as Putin accompanied Modi to a private dinner, where discussions focused on defense cooperation, energy partnerships, and trade opportunities. Security was tight, and media access was limited, but the few images and video clips that emerged quickly went viral on social media, capturing worldwide attention.

By the next morning, December 5, Delhi was buzzing. Security checkpoints, closed roads, and media personnel set the stage for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

At 9:00 AM, Putin arrived at the summit venue and was welcomed with full ceremonial honors. Discussions inside the hall covered:
BrahMos missile upgrades and advanced air defense systems
Cooperation in nuclear energy and other energy projects
Trade and private-sector partnerships
At 11:30 AM, following hours of discussions, both leaders addressed the press. PM Modi reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship: Our friendship has stood the test of time. Putin added that the partnership would not only benefit the two nations but also contribute to global stability and development.

By the afternoon, reports emerged of key agreements nearing completion:
$2 billion submarine deal
Oil and gas trade agreements
Preliminary agreements on technology and defense collaborations
The evening concluded with a formal state dinner hosted by the Indian government. Media access was limited, but glimpses of the grand venue and ceremonial protocol reached international news outlets, marking the visit as one of the year’s most significant diplomatic events.
Across Delhi, the visit dominated headlines. Social media lit up with photos, quotes, and video clips. Security forces remained vigilant throughout. Analysts noted that this visit reinforced India’s independent and balanced foreign policy, strengthened defense ties, and solidified long-term relations with Russia.

In the end, what began as a simple airport arrival unfolded into two days of strategic dialogue, high-level diplomacy, and reaffirmed friendship - a visit that is expected to shape India-Russia relations for years to come.