India and Russia have intensified preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to India in December for the 23rd Annual Summit, underscoring the depth of their “special and privileged strategic partnership.”

Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Pawan Kapoor confirmed in Moscow that both nations are “actively preparing” for the high-profile visit. “We meet regularly bilaterally and on the sidelines of international events,” Kapoor told Russia’s state-run agency Tass. The visit is expected in the first week of December 2025, a moment eagerly awaited by 1.40 crore Indians, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The consultations highlight the consistency of India-Russia ties. NSA Ajit Doval visited Moscow in August, meeting President Putin and Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also held discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the UNGA in New York. Modi and Putin further engaged at the SCO Summit last month, reinforcing cooperation amid global challenges.

“Our nations have always walked shoulder-to-shoulder, even in the most difficult times,” PM Modi said, stressing that bilateral cooperation benefits not only the people of both countries but also global peace and prosperity.

On the Ukraine conflict, Modi welcomed recent peace efforts, urging all parties to act constructively. “We must find ways to end the conflict quickly to restore stability and peace. This is the call of humanity,” he said. Putin, in turn, praised India’s and China’s initiatives to facilitate dialogue on Ukraine.

Putin’s visit is set to deepen India-Russia defense, energy, and trade partnerships while reaffirming long-standing strategic trust. The annual summit is expected to bring forward new agreements in connectivity, energy security, and regional stability.