Fri Dec 05 18:51:22 UTC 2025: ## Putin Visits India to Bolster Trade Amid Western Sanctions
New Delhi, India – Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a two-day visit to India on December 5th, 2025, aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two nations. The visit, Putin’s first to India in four years, comes as Moscow faces increased pressure from Western sanctions.
The primary focus of the visit was to expand trade between India and Russia, with the ambitious goal of reaching $100 billion by 2030. Currently, trade is heavily weighted towards Russian exports, primarily due to India’s reliance on Russian energy and arms. Moscow has expressed a desire to import more Indian goods to balance the trade relationship.
President Putin held high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on a range of issues including trade, labour, and civil nuclear energy. Several new agreements are expected to be announced, demonstrating the continued strength of the relationship between the two nations.
The visit also takes place against the backdrop of ongoing trade negotiations between India and the United States, aimed at resolving punitive tariffs imposed by the previous US administration over India’s purchases of Russian oil.
Putin’s schedule included a ceremonial welcome, tributes at Rajghat, delegation-level discussions with PM Modi, a joint press statement, participation in a business event with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu. The visit underscores the strategic importance of the India-Russia relationship, particularly as Moscow seeks to diversify its economic partnerships in the face of Western sanctions.
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