Russian President Vladimir Putin departed from Palam Technical Airport Friday after his two-day India visit, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeing him off. Putin praised India as "one of the fastest growing economies in the world," noting GDP has "almost doubled" over the past decade and purchasing power increased 2.5 times. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated India emphasized the need to reform the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary realities and discussed collaboration in mutual forums. Putin addressed the India-Russia Business Forum, underscoring growing economic partnership. The visit, at PM Modi's invitation, included the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held December 4-5, marking Putin's first trip since 2021.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's 24-hour India visit delivered limited tangible outcomes despite high-profile optics. Major agreements included mobility pacts, health cooperation, maritime deals, and urea manufacturing, with a $100 billion trade target by 2030. However, no significant progress occurred on energy ties or defense cooperation the relationship's main pillars. India declined Russia's offers of Su-57E stealth fighters and S-500 systems, focusing instead on expediting remaining S-400 deliveries from the 2018 deal. India has reduced Russian oil purchases since October 2025, and days before Putin's visit, signed a $946 million deal for 24 US Seahawk helicopters. Modi called their friendship a "guiding star" but emphasized India stands firmly on the side of peace regarding Ukraine.

The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit reaffirmed the resilience of their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, with leaders Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin committing to a $100 billion bilateral trade target by 2030. The Programme 2030 aims to boost Indian exports in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agriculture, and high-tech goods, while addressing trade imbalances from Russian oil imports. Both sides pledged to advance a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, enhance financial cooperation via national currencies and digital platforms, and expand energy collaboration in oil, LNG, fertilisers, and civil nuclear projects, including Kudankulam. Connectivity initiatives like INSTC and Arctic cooperation were also highlighted to strengthen long-term economic synergy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an exclusive interview with India Today Group, declared the Taliban regime in Afghanistan a reality, praising its efforts to combat terrorism and reduce opium production. He justified Moscow’s recognition of the Taliban government, stressing the importance of engaging with Kabul’s leadership. Putin’s remarks directly counter Pakistan’s narrative that the Taliban fuels terrorism through the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and acts as a puppet of India. By endorsing Kabul’s crackdown on ISIS Khorasan and drug threats, Putin effectively sided with the Taliban’s version of events. His comments come amid worsening Pakistan-Afghanistan ties, marked by border clashes, airstrikes, and Pakistan’s expulsion of Afghan refugees.

Shashi Tharoor will attend the State dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were excluded, sparking controversy. Tharoor, invited as Foreign Affairs Committee head, claimed ignorance of the invitation process. His attendance drew criticism from Congress leader Pawan Khera, who hinted at political maneuvering. The snub follows Gandhi’s charge that the government discourages opposition meetings with visiting leaders, breaking tradition upheld even under Vajpayee. Tharoor partly supported Gandhi’s view but remains at odds with Congress after praising PM Modi and criticizing family-led politics. His strained ties date back to 2022 leadership demands, fueling speculation of a BJP switch. (PC: X & India Today)

India and Russia held discussions Thursday on expanding bilateral trade in fisheries, meat, and dairy products while addressing market access issues. Russia expressed willingness to import fishery and meat products from India and showed interest in veterinary vaccine development and animal health management. Ahead of PM Modi's meeting with President Putin, India's Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh met with Russian Agriculture Minister Oxana Lut in New Delhi. Both sides discussed expanding mutual trade, resolving market access issues, and fast-tracking establishment listings for exports. Discussions also focused on collaboration in research, education, emerging aquaculture technologies, deep-sea fishing vessels, and processing capabilities to strengthen agricultural cooperation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized "independent foreign policies" and a "multipolar world order" during joint press briefing with PM Modi, stressing economic ties are "entirely natural" despite US pressure. Putin announced Russian participation in Make in India programs and highlighted cooperation at Russia's Kudankulam nuclear plant, where two of six units are operational. He reaffirmed Russia as a "reliable supplier" of oil, gas, and coal amid Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil purchases. Modi thanked Putin for "unwavering commitment," calling energy security a "strong pillar" of partnership. Leaders agreed on economic cooperation program until 2030 ensuring "diversified, balanced, and sustainable" trade, with officials exchanging agreements on jobs, health, shipping, and chemicals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin received ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan Friday morning before the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House. PM Modi told Putin that Ukraine war must end through peaceful means while both leaders firmed up a five-year economic roadmap to counter Washington's tariffs and sanctions. Modi expressed confidence India-Russia will achieve $100 billion bilateral trade target before 2030, inviting Russian businesses to "Make In India." Leaders signed comprehensive healthcare cooperation agreement covering medical education, research, disease control, and digital health technologies. Modi described the friendship as steadfast like a "pole star" despite geopolitical challenges, marking Putin's first India visit since Ukraine war began.

India and Russia issued a joint statement reaffirming strong commitment to counter-terrorism following the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Both nations condemned terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir (April 22, 2025) and Moscow's Crocus City Hall (March 22, 2024), calling terrorism "criminal and unjustifiable" regardless of religious or ideological motivations. The statement emphasized preventing cross-border terrorist movement, eliminating financing networks and safe havens. Leaders called for concerted action against UN-listed terrorist groups including Al Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh and affiliates, focusing on rooting out safe havens, countering terrorist ideology, eliminating financing channels linked to transnational crime, and halting foreign terrorist fighter movement. 

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveiled a life-size bronze statue of their DDLJ characters, Raj and Simran, at London’s Leicester Square. The statue marks 30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Aditya Chopra’s iconic film. This is the first time an Indian movie has been honoured with a statue in the UK’s Scenes in the Square trail. SRK and Kajol flew to London for the event, where photos and videos went viral. Released in 1995, DDLJ remains one of India’s most loved films and continues to shape Bollywood’s idea of romance even after three decades.