Putin’s India Visit Marks Key Diplomatic Moment as Defence Minister Belousov Joins Military Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India this week is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in New Delhi’s diplomacy, as both nations work to strengthen defense and energy ties amid shifting global alignments and mounting pressure from the West. Putin arrives Thursday for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit—his first trip to India since 2021 and the beginning of the Ukraine war. Analysts say the two-day visit will test India’s ability to maintain its long-standing partnership with Moscow while navigating intensifying demands from Washington under U.S. President Donald Trump.

Putin’s arrival coincides with high-stakes military discussions led by Russia’s Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, who is in New Delhi to participate in the 22nd meeting of the India–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the commission will review the results of recent joint military work, outline new and promising areas of cooperation, and address major global and regional security issues.

Belousov will accompany President Putin throughout the visit, underscoring the central role of defense ties in the bilateral relationship. The combined presence of both the Russian president and his defense minister highlights Moscow’s intent to deepen strategic cooperation with India at a moment of profound geopolitical transformation.