Putin Confirms December Visit to India, Praises ‘Dear Friend’ PM Modi

Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that he will visit India in early December, days after reports suggested a planned trip for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to the media, Putin said:

“I am looking forward to my trip in early December and I highly await my meeting with my dear friend, our trustworthy partner, PM Modi.”

The visit is expected to focus on strengthening strategic and economic cooperation, particularly as New Delhi faces pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50% import duties.

India-Russia Ties
Putin highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries, tracing it back to the Soviet era. He praised India for resisting U.S. pressure over oil trade with Russia, expressing confidence that New Delhi would not abandon its energy reliance on Moscow.

He warned that giving up Russian energy resources would bring heavy costs:

“If India refuses, losses could be $9–10 billion. But even if it doesn’t refuse, sanctions will still be imposed. So why refuse if it also carries domestic political costs? The Indian people will never allow themselves to be humiliated by anyone. I know Prime Minister Modi, and he will not make such decisions.”

Trade and Tariffs
Putin also pledged to address the trade imbalance, saying Russia would increase imports of Indian agricultural products and medicines. On Trump’s tariffs, he argued that India’s losses would be offset by crude imports from Russia, while enhancing its standing as a sovereign nation.