Putin Concludes Two-Day India Visit, Departs After State Banquet At Rashtrapati Bhavan

Russian President Vladimir Putin departed New Delhi for Moscow on December 5, 2025, after attending a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the conclusion of his two-day state visit to India.

Putin arrived in the capital on December 4 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit-an almost 28-hour visit aimed at reinforcing bilateral cooperation at a time of global challenges, including U.S. sanctions and energy concerns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received him at the airport and later hosted a private dinner at his residence, mirroring the hospitality shown to him during Modi's visit to Moscow earlier this year.

On the second day, Putin was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He then visited Rajghat to lay a wreath before heading to Hyderabad House for delegation-level talks with PM Modi, followed by a working lunch. Both leaders later addressed the India-Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam. Discussions centred on defence cooperation, trade diversification, energy ties, the Ukraine situation, and counter-terrorism. The two sides also agreed on an Economic Cooperation Programme extending until 2030.

Following the state banquet with President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, Putin departed Rashtrapati Bhavan between 9 PM and 10 PM IST on December 5 to return to Moscow, as confirmed by live updates. Several agreements across sectors including trade, defence, healthcare, culture, and media were either signed or expected to be finalised during the summit.