Russian President Vladimir Putin will make an official visit to India in December 2025, the Kremlin confirmed on Friday (29 August 2025). Ahead of that, Putin will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, scheduled for 31 August – 1 September 2025.
According to reports from AFP, Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov stated that the SCO Summit will provide an opportunity for President Putin and PM Modi to hold their first in-person meeting of 2025, although both leaders have maintained regular contact via phone. Ushakov further emphasized that the December visit preparations will be a key point of discussion during their bilateral talks.
🔹 Trump’s Tariff Shadow Over Talks
Tensions remain high after US President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports in response to New Delhi’s continued oil purchases from Russia. The move has triggered a significant strain in India-US trade relations, making the SCO Summit even more crucial in shaping India’s global trade strategy.
Observers believe that the tariff issue could dominate SCO discussions, especially as India aims to showcase its resilience and position itself as a rising power in the shifting global order.
🔹 India’s Energy Stand with Russia
Despite American pressure, India has not reduced its Russian oil imports. PM Modi has reiterated on several occasions that India will not compromise on its energy security and is ready to face any crisis instead of yielding to external pressures. Following the tariff escalation, India has already started exploring new markets and striking trade deals with other nations.
🔹 Multiple Bilateral Meetings Expected
Apart from meeting Putin, PM Modi is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin on 31 August 2025. Sources suggest that the India-China meeting could also touch upon US tariffs, opening doors for a potential recalibration of trade strategies in the region.
🔹 Why the World is Watching
The SCO Summit is taking place at a critical time when the US tariffs have shaken global trade flows. For India, this summit is more than just diplomacy – it’s about asserting its strength in a fractured global economy while reinforcing its strategic partnership with Russia.
As December approaches, Putin’s India visit could mark a turning point in bilateral relations, especially in defense, energy, and infrastructure cooperation.
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