Kumar Bahukhandi
PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in New Delhi on December 3, 2025 During this meeting, the two heads of state will discuss a number of important issues and strengthen their two-and-a-half-decade-old friendship. It should be noted that PM Modi last met President Putin in 2001 as Chief Minister of Gujarat. See photos of Modi-Putin’s 25-year-old friendship…
The relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been incredibly strong and trusting for nearly 25 years. The two leaders first met and acquainted in 2001, when Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, accompanied then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Moscow, the capital of Russia. The discussions that took place during that period laid a new foundation for India-Russia relations. Photos from that period, showing Chief Minister Modi with Prime Minister Vajpayee in Russia, are once again in the news. They recall those early moments when India-Russia friendship began a new chapter.
Modi-Putin’s 25-year-old friendship (file photo) – Photo: ANI
President Putin’s Visit to India
At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin is arriving in India today on a state visit. This two-day visit will coincide with the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The summit is expected to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries on a number of key issues, including defense, energy, trade, space, cybersecurity, connectivity, and science and technology. India and Russia have long been strategic partners, and this summit is considered crucial in shaping bilateral relations.
PM Modi with former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his visit to Russia (File) – Photo: ANI
A Journey of Friendship – From Past to Present
In 2001, while serving as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Modi participated in a meeting with PM Vajpayee in Moscow; this was his first meeting with Putin. 2014 to Present – Since PM Modi’s inauguration, India-Russia relations have strengthened. This year, the 23rd annual summit is being held in India.
Why is Putin’s visit significant?
India and Russia have been trusted allies for decades. Their cooperation in the defense sector is recognized globally. Partnerships in energy and space programs are also growing steadily. In the changing global landscape, the closeness between the two countries is strategically important.
