Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, underlining the continuing importance of the decades-old strategic partnership between the two countries.
The invitation was first extended during Putin’s visit to India for the 23rd Annual Summit in December 2025. The official joint statement said Putin invited PM Modi to Russia in 2026 for the next annual summit.
The invitation has now gained fresh significance as Modi and Putin met again in New Delhi on September 11, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Their discussions covered a broad range of issues, including trade, defence, energy, nuclear cooperation, fertilisers, manufacturing, railways, steel and critical minerals. Of course, Congress leader P Chimbaram questioned what is even the point of BRICS.
The two leaders also discussed major international developments, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region. Putin’s latest invitation gives both sides another opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation while navigating a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.
India-Russia ties have remained resilient despite the turbulence caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions on Moscow. Energy has emerged as a particularly important pillar of the relationship, with India continuing to purchase significant quantities of Russian oil. At the same time, defence remains a crucial component of the partnership, alongside cooperation in areas such as nuclear energy, space and advanced technology.
For New Delhi, the relationship with Moscow remains part of its broader strategy of maintaining strategic autonomy. India has consistently maintained that its partnerships are guided by its national interests rather than pressure from any one global power.
The 24th Annual Summit will therefore be closely watched. Beyond the ceremonial optics, the meeting could determine the next phase of India-Russia cooperation in trade, defence, energy and emerging technologies.
